F1: Lewis Hamilton says struggling Mercedes has found ‘North Star’

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain arrives ahead of the first free practice at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack, in Imola, Italy, Friday, April 17, 2024. The Italy’s Emilia Romagna F1 Grand Prix will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton offered an upbeat view on Mercedes’ future prospects on Thursday when he said the team had finally found its “North Star” in the prolonged effort to develop their car.

The Briton, without a win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, said he was encouraged by the directional breakthrough and both the energy and resilience of the team.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the first race in Europe this year after six flyaway rounds around the world, Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate George Russell said they were impressed by the durability of their team.

READ: F1: Lewis Hamilton admits ‘it’s a shock’ as Mercedes top Bahrain practice

Mercedes have struggled for performance and have yet to register a podium finish this season.

“There is a long way to go,” said Hamilton. “But I am excited with what I know we have coming in the pipe-line now. We have found our North Star and we know what we want to do and what to change.

“The energy in the team is amazing. They are so resilient and continue to push all the time even though we have been knocked down quite a few times this year.”

Hamilton, who has won six of his drivers titles with Mercedes, is set to leave the team and join Ferrari next year.