LEWIS HAMILTON’s positivity about his upgraded car is a “good sign”, says F1 legend Damon Hill.
The Silver Arrows demonstrated their best car performance in the Spanish Grand Prix, with both Hamilton and George Russell finishing on the podium.
Hamilton, 38, finished second behind only Max Verstappen, as Red Bull showed there is still some way to go before they can be caught.
Mercedes brought its first major upgrade package of the season, including a new bodywork, revised floor and front suspension configuration.
The seven-time world champion revealed it was the best he’d felt in the car for 15 months.
F1 legend Damon Hill said: “it is a good sign” that Hamilton is positive about his car again after his public criticism of his Mercedes team this season.
Hill said: “To hear Lewis say ‘I’m enjoying driving the car’. That’s a good sign.
“They have gone and done what he has been pleading with them to do and they have seen some progress, so well done Lewis.”
He added: “Mercedes showed in the race they’ve leapfrogged the threat from Aston Martin and Ferrari on a circuit.
“I think there are encouraging signs there for Mercedes definitely”.
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There is renewed optimism that the Silver Arrows’ revised car design can help deliver them a much needed boost in the form of a victory.
Both Hamilton and team-mate Russell managed to hold off Sergio Perez, who started 11th on the grid.
Rivals Ferrari continued to struggle for pace, and Aston Martin were not as competitive as they have been at other circuits this season.
This comes as Hamilton made no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction with the lack of progress made from last season.
Speaking to the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast in March, he said: “Last year, I told them the issues related to the car.
“Like, I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs, I know what a car doesn’t need.”
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The double-podium finish at the Spanish GP will be encouraging for the 38-year-old.
Mercedes can continue to improve for next season, where they hope to challenge for the title – which would be a record eighth for Hamilton.
It comes after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confidently insisted he will keep leading the team until Hamilton gets his historic eighth championship.
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The British icon has achieved 2 podium finishes so far this season and is fourth in driver standings, 83 points behind leader Verstappen.
And he will look to get on the podium again at the Canadian GP next week on June 18.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
