Mercedes reveal Hamilton has "redoubled his contribution" to help overcome Red Bull

Lewis Hamilton has been hailed as "absolutely brilliant" by Mercedes as it has been revealed he has redoubled his efforts to prevent Red Bull and Max Verstappen from winning this year's F1 titles.

Mercedes technical director James Allison believes the determination of the seven-time champion has come to the fore as the team faces up to the sternest test of its domination of the sport.

Following Verstappen's victory in Sunday's Styrian Grand Prix, Mercedes has now fallen 40 points adrift of Red Bull in the constructors' standings while Hamilton is 18 behind Verstappen.

Whilst understanding Hamilton's frustration after four straight defeats, Allison has highlighted the effort the 36-year-old is putting in behind the scenes to stop the rot.

"He wants to be driving a car that allows him to showcase his skill," said Allison on the F1 Nation podcast.

"But he is absolutely brilliant for us in these circumstances because he is so focused on winning and on championships that his response to a situation like this is just to re-double his contribution.

"He was in our factory running a lot of simulator laps last week, and he is committed as anybody to making sure we find the edge we need to to be able to put pressure on the Red Bull in front, and you see him at his absolute best."

As to how hard Hamilton is pushing, Allison replied: "I can be reasonably confident of having an exchange with him where he's letting me know the things that he thinks are important and asking me if there is any way in which he can help progress those things.

"Also he is wanting to hear from me if there are aspects coming to the car he wasn't aware of, and the timescale he can expect those in. It's a friendly and comfortable exchange that is helpful to me and, I hope, helpful to him."

Bottas also relentless in his support

Whilst Hamilton is still in contention for a record-breaking eighth title, Valtteri Bottas' hopes of his first have faded following his worst start to a season with Mercedes.

Bottas has yet to finish in the top two in a race this year and already trails Verstappen by 82 points after eight races, leading to constant speculation he will be replaced by George Russell for next year.

Defending Bottas' contribution, Allison added: "Valtteri is the one whose mood is a little more unchanging, he remains the sort of implacable figure he has always been.

"He had a strong weekend in the car, qualifying a whisker ahead of Lewis, and was determined to get every point he could from the weekend.

"So we see the best from them in supporting us and pushing us, but in a way that is helpful, not sort of finger-pointy or destructive."

As to Bottas' future, Allison added: "He is very, very keen to show he is worthy of his place in the team and [being] a top-ranked driver, and a weekend like the last one, is extremely helpful for him in that regard."

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