Hamilton in the dark over Mercedes gains

Lewis Hamilton has conceded to being in the dark over Mercedes' recent performance gains.

Mercedes has shown improved pace since the summer break with Valtteri Bottas securing the team's second win in succession at the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday.

His winning margin of 14.5 seconds highlighted Mercedes speed over a race distance although in Istanbul, even across a single lap, the Silver Arrows had the edge on Red Bull.

“We haven’t done anything to the car so I don’t really know why that is the case," explained Hamilton.

"I think the two tracks that we’ve just driven on have maybe suited us a little bit more."

Finishing fifth, Hamilton dropped eight points to title rival Max Verstappen meaning he left Turkey with a six-point deficit in the standings.

However, Mercedes extended its lead in the constructors' points by three to 36.

“The car has been feeling good," continued Hamilton. "It felt great this weekend and moving forwards, Valtteri did a great job.

"If he can continue to perform like that over the next races, it will be good for the team and if the car continues to behave as it has this weekend, that is good for us."

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