Hamilton hopes FIA rule: 'Maybe that will level the playing field'

The seven-time world champion was impressed by Verstappen afterwards, and Hamilton thinks the rear wing plays an important role in the performance, he said in the press conference. "Naturally they have that really good wing that bends, which they’ve had most of the year. I think they’ve been developing it for, as far as I’m aware or what I’m told, for quite a long time, which we haven’t, so that would definitely be part of it."

Yet Hamilton remains confident. "If we’re not going to develop and improve our car for the rest of the year, this is the result you’re going to see, because, as I said, they’ve really eked out performance in these last few races, wherever it’s been, whether it’s been in France with the engine or the new wing, whichever it is. But there’s another TD (technical directive) coming out for the wings. I don’t know if they’re stopping the bendiness or not but maybe that will level the playing field."

Austria GP

This coming weekend, another race in Austria is scheduled. Mercedes will be hoping to surprise then, although the chances for the German racing stable are not much better than the last race weekend.