Disappointed Lewis Hamilton said he is already thinking about the 2024 season

• F1

British driver of Mercedes Lewis Hamilton, who started from third position at the Spa F1 GP, finished in 4th place, also setting the fastest lap. After the race, Lewis opened up about his rival Max Verstappen, saying he is already thinking about next season.

The Briton explained in the press conference after the race: "I think we struggled a bit today to get close to Leclerc's times, he was too fast, otherwise if I had the chance I would have tried to fight. The only thing I could do today was to steal the fastest lap from Verstappen, he had gone away, it generated a huge gap and it's a bit too simple for him and for Red Bull.

I did the best I could with the package I had available, I can't wait to have a new car next year. We are trying them all with the car we have and we are doing everything to keep 2nd place in the constructors: if I manage to finish 3rd in the Drivers' World Championship that would be great, but I can't do more than this.

My share of the season I think has been pretty good. We are not fighting for the world championship, there has been progress and setbacks, ups and downs. For my part, I'm very happy with my personal performance, I feel more comfortable in the car but there's always that problem we've had for a long time.

We are working well, but it will take very big steps to try and take the car in the right direction."

George Russell's words

George Russel also spoke at the press conference, saying: "I thought today I could have fought with Lewis for the podium.

Unfortunately, on the opening lap I got stuck behind Piastri, who suffered damage in the first corner. This cost me a few positions and compromised my Grand Prix. After that it was a good race for us and we increased the gap on third in the Constructors' World Championship to 51 points.

It was an intense first half of the season for all the team members, we don't see It's time to take a break and unwind for a few weeks before returning to racing at Zandvoort. We know our goal is to win and I'm still convinced we can do it this season."