P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The seven-time World Champion knew that he would be in for a tough year after driving the W14 for the first time.
Lewis Hamilton revealed that he faced self-doubt during his challenging 2023 season with Mercedes. Despite finishing third in the overall standings and achieving six podium finishes, he has not won a race since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Hamilton acknowledged moments of questioning his ability, especially with his former rival Max Verstappen dominating the season with 19 victories. He admitted that he wondered if the struggles were due to him or the car, and if he still had the same level of skill. Hamilton recognized that everyone experiences these doubts and emphasized the search for the magic when everything comes together. He also recalled feeling apprehensive during the pre-season test, as the unique car design chosen by Mercedes did not yield the expected results. Therefore, Hamilton anticipated a difficult year ahead.
