Lewis Hamilton admits to fearing that Red Bull's dominance of the sport will continue for the foreseeable future.

His comments come at the end of a season in which he claimed just one pole position and only made six visits to the podium, having failed to score a single win for the second successive season since entering the sport.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen concluded the year with another lights to flag victory giving him 19 victories from 22 races, the Dutchman the only driver to complete every one of the season's 1,325 race laps.

"It's not been a great year," said the Briton, who finished the season ending race in ninth, six places down on his teammate, after incurring damage following a clash with Pierre Gasly.

"There's not a lot to take from the year in general," he continued. "The fact that I survived it, probably that's about it."

Asked whether he believes Mercedes will be able to challenge Red Bull next season, he said: "At this moment I don't really know. For Red Bull to win by 17 seconds in the end, and they haven't even developed their car since August, is definitely a concern.

"But we've learned a lot about the car and it's just down to the team now. They know what they need to do. Whether or not we will get there, we will see.

"I really don't know what to expect," he added. "The car was the same as last year for me, so..."

Asked if he will be happy to see the W14 consigned to history, he replied: "Yep!

"I just finished ninth, it's been two really bad races, I was just slow throughout the race."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Stitch431, 29/11/2023 10:29

"Weill if they are able to do the same that Mercedes did during their dominant days, it would be very possible, and a reward for their long hard work. Complaining is not the right answer though. Do like Red Bull did so many years, put your heads down and see that you catch up. It's a sport, not a discussion!"

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2. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 28/11/2023 15:20

"I don't see any reason why Perez would not be at RBR '24. In the end, he achieved what was required of him. If he was more consistent, he'd be more of threat to Max. It's better how it is currently.

Does Mercedes have enough insight to what makes the RB so superlative? I am sure Mercedes wants to keep what they found out close to vest."

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3. Posted by Endre, 27/11/2023 16:49

"@Spindoctor, lets not forget that Mercedes has also only lost 2 races in 2016, not far from what RB did this year. And the ones they lost, was not because of performance (as it happened to RB in Singapore) but due their drivers' clumsiness, so I would say that was a more dominant car then RB was this year. And refresh my memory, how many years did that dominance last vs. just 2 from RB?"

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4. Posted by Spindoctor, 27/11/2023 14:25

"@Greg.
There's "dominant" & then there's RBR's cars for the last couple of seasons. It's looking like the only way VMax will not win a complete clean sweep in 2024 is if Perez (assuming he's still there) or his successor gets his mojo back &\or VMax has mechanical issues.
The Ferraris have looked moderately competitive from time to time & Mercedes' car has run well on a few circuits, but I get the distinct impression that VMax has enjoyed a mainly unruffled season, planning his retirement while driving largely on autopilot...."

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5. Posted by Greg, 27/11/2023 12:02

"As if Mercedes didn't have a dominant period awhile back "

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Hamilton fears Red Bull dominance will continue

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