Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari driver says Mercedes duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell ‘should be further ahead’ in title battle | F1 News

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell “should be well ahead” of him in the drivers’ championship.

Ferrari’s Hamilton leads Antonelli Russell by 25 points at the top of the standings, just seven points behind his former team-mate.

Mercedes have clearly had the fastest car for most of the season but have been plagued by reliability issues, which, among other factors, have allowed Hamilton to remain within striking distance as the season approaches its halfway stage.

Ahead of a final double-header before the summer break in Belgium this weekend, Hamilton was asked about the relative tightness of the standings.

The seven-time world champion said: “I mean, I don’t really look at it too much. I don’t think about it. I don’t think it’s particularly relevant.

“I mean, it’s great that we’re all close when really Mercedes have been a strong team and they should be further ahead.

“So, it’s exciting for the rest of the year, hopefully.”

While Antonelli and Russell have each failed to score points in two grands prix, Hamilton has yet to finish outside the top six and has picked up four podiums in his last five races, including Ferrari’s first win at Barcelona.

Strong reliability has enabled Ferrari to keep pace with Mercedes in the constructors’ championship, with the Silver Arrows leading by 78 points.

Asked whether Ferrari’s reliability could prove the difference in the title fight, Hamilton added: “I hope so. Often in the championship, that’s the case.

“And that’s really down to the amazing work the team has done to make us a reliable car.

“It’s no easy feat to build a fast and reliable car, so I’m very grateful to them for that.

“And then, every single lap trying my best to get everything out, and every point I can get out of the car.”

Hamilton ‘desperate’ for England after World Cup exit

Hamilton has shown his support for England’s soccer team throughout the World Cup on social media and admitted he was “hurt” after watching their heartbreaking defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.

is asked by Sky Sports F1 If he can boost the nation by winning at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend, Hamilton replied: “I think it will be difficult this weekend, but, yes, I saw last night in pain.

“Proud of the boys for taking us as far as they did.

“Oh, my God. And I just felt disappointed for them. Sitting there with my fingers crossed, everything crossed, hoping that we’d pull it off, but we’d go back.

“And in terms of us (Ferrari) this weekend, I really have no idea. I mean, I’m here to try and win, that’s for sure.”

Sky Sports F1’s Belgian GP schedule

Friday 17 July
8.50am: Exercised F3
10am: F2 practice
12.00pm: Belgian GP Practice One (Session starts at 12.30pm)
2pm: F3 qualifying
2.55pm: F2 Qualifying
3.30pm: Belgian GP Practice Two (Session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 show

Saturday 18 July
9am: F3 sprint
11.15am: Belgian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.15pm: F2 sprint
2.15pm: Belgian GP Qualifying Build-up*
3pm: Belgian GP Qualifying*

Sunday 19 July
7.30am: F3 Feature Race
9am: F2 Feature Race
10.45am: Porsche Supercup
12.30pm: Belgian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
2pm: Belgian Grand Prix
4pm: Belgian GP reaction: checkered flag

*Also on Sky Sports main events

Formula 1’s summer run continues this weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime