Lewis Hamilton and George Russell said they believe a win for Mercedes is “close” as the Formula 1 season resumes at the Belgian Grand Prix. Mercedes have had a difficult season but progress in recent races culminated with their first double podium at the last race before the summer break in Hungary. We have had this consistency in recent races and great progress the team is making. Russell, who is fourth in the championship heading into the final nine races of the season, said he believed Mercedes should have the ambition of overhauling Charles Leclerc and Ferrari and finishing second in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Russell said: “We are in a position now where we can probably fight for second in both championships. Mercedes have an upgrade at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

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