Suzuka not Hamilton's favourite after all? 'I've got a terrible memory'

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Lewis Hamilton GP Japan 2023 Mercedes fights for P2
21 September 2023 at 17:47
Last update 21 September 2023 at 19:24
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  • Toby McLuskie

Lewis Hamilton is one of the bigger drivers at this year's Japan Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver was on the podium nine times in Japan and won the race five times. The Briton does not seem to be claiming a win in 2023, but a podium just might. Hamilton never expected that at the start of the year.

Mercedes fighting for P2

So says the driver ahead of the 2023 Japanese GP at the Suzuka Circuit. Hamilton is asked about the fight for P2 in the constructors, in which Mercedes is best placed in terms of points. Hamilton: " I think it's exciting that we have this race, this battle at the moment. We started off pretty poorly at the beginning of the season, definitely didn't expect ourselves to be second in the constructors and to now be relatively close, particularly in the last race."

Ferrari showed they are a formidable opponent after two strong performances by Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The battle is exciting. The difference between the two teams is 24 points in Mercedes' favour. Hamilton: "I think it's exciting for us as a team and of course, we want to beat them, just as they want to beat us, so it's going to take a full team effort, that's for sure."

Suzuka not Hamilton's favourite after all

Free practice has not yet been run, so it is still difficult to assess the Briton's chances. But there is no doubt that Hamilton is looking forward to Suzuka. At least, when the Briton is asked why he has called Suzuka his favourite circuit on several occasions, he says: "I've got a terrible memory. I don't remember saying it's my favourite. It's one of the favourites, I think, for all the drivers."

Hamilton concludes: "Just because it's that figure of eight. It's that historic circuit where you saw Ayrton and Alain racing on many years ago. It is an incredible track to drive on. And it's such a beautiful country as well [...] And then the track is just one of the greatest layouts that we get to experience in the calendar. And so I just hope that our car works on it."