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Back From the Break: The Amazing Achievement Firing Up Our Drivers

Optimism flowing and the drivers look to build momentum as Team goes from “strength-to-strength”

We're all set to return to action this weekend in Zandvoort. Lewis and George have returned refreshed, motivated, and energised. We’ve got 10 races in front of us to conclude the 2023 season with clear goals in sight. In the middle of a hectic 2023 campaign, it’s been easy to forget that our Team sits P2 in the Constructors’ standings.

With fierce competition in the chasing pack, that’s not something to be underestimated.

“I think (being P2 currently) is a huge achievement. I think it’s something that’s been a little overlooked if I’m honest,” said Lewis when speaking to the media on Thursday in the Netherlands. “Ultimately because we want to win, there has not been the most positive narrative. But for us to be second in the Constructors’ Championship given where the others started is pretty amazing.” George was also quick to emphasise the relative strength of our current position. “Of course we want to be fighting for championships, but to call P2 in the championship, 51 points ahead of P3 at the moment, ‘a failure’ is far from reality.”

The numbers bear that out. After initial difficulties in Bahrain at the start of the season, the Team has continued to build. Results have remained consistent. Numerous upgrades have been brought to the W14. The final three races before the summer break were the Team’s strongest – 69 points marking our best ‘quarter’ of the year thus far. That came off the back of a ‘bruising’ weekend in Austria; P7 and P8 a clear weakest result and yet still a comfortable double points finish. That was offset by five podiums and THAT stunning pole lap from Lewis in Hungary.

Both drivers acknowledge the hard work being done at Brackley and Brixworth have contributed to the progress and stability through the season.

“It’s down to all the amazing people back at the factory and the crew we have trackside,” said Lewis. “I’m really proud of the Team and the steps we have taken. I’m so grateful to everyone for continuing to push. “My goal is to make sure the Team keep second in the Constructors' and hunt down second in the drivers.” George too, is eager to make the most of the final 10 races. “I feel like we’ve gone from strength-to-strength, and we’ve made really good progress.

“We’ll treat every race left as an opportunity.”

I think (being P2 currently) is a huge achievement. I think it's something that's been a little overlooked if I'm honest.

Lewis Hamilton

I think (being P2 currently) is a huge achievement. I think it's something that's been a little overlooked if I'm honest. Ultimately because we want to win, there has not been the most positive narrative. But I'm really proud of the Team, the progress and the steps we have taken. From the car feeling like almost the identical car to last year, to making all the changes we have, there are some small adjustments we are making in the coming races and we've got some small things on the car this weekend. I'm super grateful for everyone back at the factory for continuing to push even through the hard times and staying focused with the belief that we will get there at some point. For us to be second in the constructors championship given where others started is pretty amazing. That's down to all the amazing people back at the factory and the crew we have trackside. My goal is to make sure the Team keep second in the Constructors' and hunt down second in the Drivers' Championship.

I feel like as a team we’ve gone from strength-to-strength this season.

George Russell

I feel like as a team we’ve gone from strength-to-strength this season. Obviously there was a lot of expectation upon us going into the season and perhaps why people are calling our season a bit of a failure. Of course, it’s far from where we want it to be because we want to be fighting for championships, but to call P2 in the championship, 50 points ahead of P3 at the moment, a failure is far from reality. We know we’ve got a lot to improve. We’ve made really good progress and I think going into the second half of the season, we can be there to hopefully pick up any pieces that fall our way. We’ll treat every race as an opportunity.

The 2023 Dutch Grand Prix takes place this weekend at the famous Zandvoort circuit by the beaches of The Netherlands.

Find out more about start times, circuit stats and quotes from Toto via our race page.

Dutch GP Schedule