Mark Webber believes that Lewis Hamilton’s driving has “supported” Mercedes through the first two races, including that the W12 is “not simple”.
Hamilton at present leads the drivers’ championship standings by a single level from Max Verstappen, with Mercedes and Pink Bull trying very intently matched to this point.
The seven-time champion has not confronted this type of exterior competitors early on within the season since Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel began the 2018 marketing campaign rapidly.
Looking forward to the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao this weekend, Webber mentioned that Hamilton and Verstappen are “gladiators” and predicted “fireworks” between the 2 in some unspecified time in the future this season.
“I believe Hamilton has supported Mercedes a bit within the first two races,” he informed Marca. “The automobile just isn’t simple, removed from it, however Lewis has achieved the outcomes and even lead the world championship.
“However he has a tricky rival in Verstappen. We’re all followers of Max’s fashion, watching his racing is extremely spectacular which is precisely what we ask of an F1 driver. They’re two gladiators and that’s what this sport wants, an intense rivalry and the height second will come when there will probably be fireworks between the 2, I’m satisfied.
“In the mean time they get alongside and respect one another quite a bit, however through the season Hamilton is a 12-round fighter, he’ll all the time be looking out and towards him you should be ready to endure the entire battle. And in Milton Keynes, Pink Bull and Honda can battle them and so they know they face a tricky battle.”
Requested in regards to the early season efficiency of Pink Bull, Webber was very impressed and mentioned that every a part of the crew is “mentally ready to battle”.
“They’ve by no means been so ready,” he added.
“They know that they’ve an important alternative, that they must be very exact and all the time be able to battle as a result of Lewis doesn’t offer you a second probability. They’ve the best man for it within the cockpit. Within the final take a look at we have now seen what they’re able to on the pit stops.
“Mercedes just isn’t being one of the best at this, though it’s a nice crew, in fact. However every element of the Pink Bull crew is mentally ready to battle and so they know how you can battle to win, there are different groups that aren’t used to it, however Pink Bull is. They hope to win, though they’ve the utmost respect for Lewis and Mercedes.”