Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has called on Mercedes to help Lewis Hamilton bridge the gap between himself and Max Verstappen.
The Brit will finish the season third in the Drivers’ Championship behind Verstappen and Sergio Perez, but Herbert has called on the Silver Arrows to help Hamilton compete for next year’s title.
“I do remember them saying at the end of last year, they promised that they would have a better car, and they didn’t do that,” he told Genting Casino.
“It’s shown glimpses of it, but it’s just glimpses. That goes back to Max [Verstappen] delivering every time he gets in the car, because he’s got the car to help him do that. Can Lewis do that if he’s given the car? Yes he can.
“Words are easy, but I’ve heard it before and they haven’t been able to achieve it this year. It’s down to them to give Lewis and George [Russell] the chance of attacking the Red Bulls.
“The car hasn’t been able to deliver what he needs, to deliver what we know Lewis can. I don’t think he’s damaged his reputation by staying. His performances have been good when the car has allowed it.
“He was pushed by George but he’s turned that around, and now he’s the dominant force within that team. I suppose the question is: Can they give him a car capable of winning the title?”