Hamilton always believed Mercedes partnership would flourish

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he had “utter belief” that Mercedes would go on to do great things in Formula 1 when he signed for the team back in 2013.

The Silver Arrows have been dominant in the V6 hybrid engine era, winning six constructors’ championships in a row including their latest in the 2019 campaign which was confirmed after gaining enough points at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Hamilton is also on the cusp of his sixth drivers’ title - his fifth with Mercedes - and for him there was never any doubt seven seasons ago that success would come.

“I’ve been with the team for seven years. I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13 so very proud to be racing the silver star and be part of this incredible journey that Mercedes is on,” he said after the race at Suzuka last week.

“Joining them in 2013, with just the utter belief that we will do something special, it’s kind of crazy to see it coming to fruition, all the hard work.

“Naturally, when I met everyone in 2013, just seeing how dedicated they were there, and it still remains the same.”

Hamilton: I haven't given upRead more

Even though Mercedes have got used to the taste of success this decade, Hamilton insists the team won’t become complacent as they are still eager for more championships.

"Even though we have the success each year, they’re hungry, they’re driven, they’re excited that they have Valtteri and I in the car and they give absolutely everything,” the Brit explained.

“And I love that, and it really inspires me to go out there and drive the way that I do, the way that we do throughout the weekend.”

If Hamilton outscores team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 15 points in the next race in Mexico, he will be crowned the drivers’ champion for 2019.

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