© Sebastian Kawka for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix ltd.
At the 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix press conference Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas gave their comments on Mercedes’ battle with Red Bull.
With Red Bull seemingly having the better package at the beginning of the season, Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to a close battle in 2021.
“I think it’s clear that Red Bull have started off really, really well, with a great package, and Max was driving really well,” the Briton said.
“So it’s set up for a good season ahead. Of course we don’t know what to expect moving forward into these next races with the different temperatures and different track surfaces, but it’s going to be fun one way or another.”
Hamilton was asked if Mercedes is changing their approach now that they it seems they don’t have the fastest car anymore.
“Nothing changes for us. We approach the weekend exactly the same as we always have. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
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“I think we’ve had multiple battles with Ferrari, with Seb when he was at Ferrari. I think we’ve just got to keep our heads down and continue to do what we do.
“We love the challenge, and as I said, it’s exciting for all of us that we do have such a challenge on our hands. It’s not one that we shy away from.”
Valtteri Bottas says the fact that they are now “the hunters” gives the team extra motivation.
“Starting the year, already in testing we saw that we were on the back foot against Red Bull and the first race confirmed that we were behind,” the Finn said.
“I don’t feel exactly much pressure, but I feel excitement… and we are now the hunters, not the ones to be hunted.
“And we try to take all the positives from all that we can and I can definitely see the motivation in each team member’s eyes to try and [catch] them and try to work as well as we can together to achieve the goal that we have this year.”
