Most F1 drivers would be pleased with a runner-up finish to begin the 2017 season, but Lewis Hamilton isn’t like most F1 drivers.
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver watched Scuderia Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel coast to a P1 finish at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, as Hamilton finished nearly 10 seconds behind, good for P2. And even though it was a strong day for Mercedes, with Valtteri Bottas calming his first podium as a member of the team, Hamilton sounded anything but satisfied after the race.
"I'll be coming back stronger in the next race, that's for sure" 💪
Fighting talk from @LewisHamilton after his P2 finish today#AusGP 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/i2gW5yNflx
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 26, 2017
Given Ferrari’s performance in preseason testing, its victory Sunday shouldn’t surprise anyone — including Hamilton. Still, even though a racer of Hamilton’s stature doesn’t usually need a push, he’ll likely be plenty motivated going forward, as it appears Ferrari is for real.
Hamilton and the rest of Mercedes will look for revenge Sunday, April 9 at the Grand Prix of China.
Thumbnail photo via Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports Images