Hamilton: Winter no more challenging for Merc than other years

Six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton believes the upcoming winter break will prove no more challenging than in previous years for Mercedes.

The German manufacturer can create yet more history in 2020 by becoming the first team ever to win seven world championship doubles, having successfully triumphed to both titles once again this year, with Hamilton beating teammate Valtteri Bottas to the drivers’ crown.

With aerodynamic and engine regulations remaining stable, the field is expected to converge again in 2020, with Mercedes tipped to have even stronger competition in the shape of Ferrari and Honda-powered Red Bull next season, following both teams’ respective gains in 2019.

“I don’t think it’s going to be any more challenging than any other year,” Hamilton said about the upcoming winter period.

“Every year, it couldn’t be more challenging at the end of every season.

“The guys are going through the same motions as they have every single year, trying to push for a super-high target that is almost impossible to reach, so nothing changes for us.”

Hamilton has spoken about the prospect of a three-way title fight in 2020 between Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, having witnessed Red Bull’s strong gains as 2019 progressed, particularly in terms of Honda’s ever-improving engine performance.

Asked about Red Bull’s progress with Honda heading into 2020, Hamilton replied: “I really have no idea how it’s going to be next year.

“Generally, often towards the end of the year, they are strong. There are circuits, last year they were quick in Brazil, they were fast in Abu Dhabi.

“Often they’re pretty strong towards the end of the year. I don’t really know why that is the case.

“They haven’t been starting the seasons off as strong as history has been over the past god knows how many years, they’ve not started the seasons off stronger than Ferrari or us for example.

“But next year could change. You have to expect that could change and that might be the case. We just focus on doing our job and not worrying about what others do.”