Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner remains confident that Lewis Hamilton has not been ruled out of the 2024 title hunt, despite being given the shortest answer he could get when asked about his chances.
After an awkward opening few years in the ground effect era, Mercedes have found their feet again and are back on winning ways, having taken three wins in the last four races ahead of the summer break.
Lewis Hamilton may not, but Guenther Steiner believes in his chances of winning the title.
Hamilton achieved two victories for Mercedes – in Silverstone and in Belgium – so immediately after the Belgian Grand Prix, Steiner would ask Hamilton if he thought the quest for a record eighth title in 2024 was over.
Steiner asked: “You must be pumped now for what comes after the summer break, because your car, your team is playing very well, not only now but also in the last races, so do you think you can go for the championship?”
To that, Hamilton replied with a smile: “Um, no.”
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, the former Haas boss reacted to Hamilton’s response.
“That was the shortest answer I could get,” Steiner said.
“Not. It was like this… no. Well then, my friend.”
Still, Steiner believes Hamilton is in the hunt, despite trailing championship leader Max Verstappen by 127 points with 10 races to go.
He pointed not only to Mercedes’ improved performance, but also added that “McLaren continues to make mistakes,” which could open the door for Hamilton and Mercedes.
“I think if he keeps driving like this… he’s pretty good,” said Italian Steiner when asked if he really thinks Hamilton has a chance for the title.
“Mercedes was the best car there [at Spa].”
“The second part of the season will be very interesting, because I think McLaren continues to make mistakes.”
“So they have just arrived, Mercedes is getting better and better from race to race.”
McLaren is currently the biggest threat to Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, closing the gap to just 42 points, while Lando Norris is second in the drivers’ championship, 78 points behind Max Verstappen.
