Lewis Hamilton 2023 Wall Calendar

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Despite the difficulties of the past two seasons, though, Hamilton believes Mercedes can return to the front. There should be some hope, at least, that he might not take the trophy home as easily as he did in 2023, though. In recent rounds Ferrari and McLaren have pushed them, though it has most often resulted in Verstappen and Red Bull taking the top step of the podium.

Alonso continues to amaze this season, age seeming not to have affected him in any way, despite turning 42 in July. Verstappen said his car was much better in qualifying after some changes and he will start his final race of the most dominant season in history from the front of the grid.

Wolff maintains his seven-time champion remains at the top of his game. “We have had such a long journey together that over those 12 years we have been building each other up,” he said. “There are occasions when he needed support then we would do this and the other way around. Racing beyond 40 Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton - with a combined age of 80 - are third and fourth respectively in the 2023 drivers' championship I was particularly impressed with owner Lawrence Stroll’s team. They brought an update that worked straight away.

He replied: "I would be more than happy to race against Max in the same car. It would be wonderful. I don't think he wants me to be his team-mate." But what we can do is work better moving forwards, and I truly believe with this team we can win more world championships and races together. So that's where all my energy's going."Team principal Toto Wolff said: "It just didn't come together. Expectations were higher. I'm fed up with having explanations why. If the wet weather can stay away from the Styrian hills for both the sprint and the race proper on Sunday, perhaps it will be Ferrari that emerge as Red Bull’s biggest challengers. PlanetF1.com recommended reading Hamilton says it's "great" seeing Alonso "doing an amazing job", adding: "It just shows that your talent never leaves you as long as you have that passion and commitment."