Lewis Hamilton told exactly when he'll be ready to fight Verstappen and Charles Leclerc

Mercedes ace Lewis Hamilton is only three or four races from competing with Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc following a far better performance at the Spanish Grand Prix, former Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes. Hamilton felt that only an early collision prevented him from challenging Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, while George Russell recorded another podium finish.

Both Mercedes drivers have found the new W13 car difficult to drive in the opening months of the 2022 season. Performance issues have seen them slip down the grid, although Russell has largely outperformed team-mate Hamilton.

The pair have reported the vehicle 'bouncing' during races but that issue was not as noticeable during in Barcelona following a fortnight of upgrades. Hamilton recovered from his early clash with Kevin Magnussen to finish sixth. Russell came third behind Red Bull duo Verstappen and Perez.

Montoya believes it could only be four races before Mercedes are back among the challengers for the world title. That would be apt given that the British Grand Prix comes in four races' time - the home Grand Prix of both drivers.

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