Hamilton on rain at Zandvoort: 'Hope to be closer to podium'

Lewis Hamilton is having a fine season. The Brit took pole position in Hungary, finishing on the podium four times. Hamilton has waited a long time for a win, but with rain coming at Zandvoort, more may be possible for the Mercedes driver.

Hamilton's last victory was more than a year and a half ago. In Saudi Arabia, the seven-time world champion crossed the line first after an intense battle with Max Verstappen. Since the rule change, Mercedes have had a tougher time: the only win since 2021 was by George Russell, who took his first race victory in Brazil.

Hamilton has always been a good driver in the rain, and with rain looming, this is a chance for the Brit to prove himself. During a media moment attended by GPblog, Hamilton was asked about his chances of winning in the rain: "I think the wet weather definitely spices things up. I think in Spa, which is not a strong circuit for us. When it would rain, we would perform quite well. So I'm hoping that's the case this weekend if it is wet."

The brit continued: "But otherwise, I think the guys think this is not too different to Budapest. And our car was a lot better in Budapest. And last year, we were competing closest to the front. I think George was second. And I was hunting down the lead at one point. So I'm hoping that we're closer or at least in shooting range of a podium this weekend. "