Lewis Hamilton believes a first win in 2022 is "close" as Formula 1 returns at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Mercedes' problematic season so far means the seven-time world champion is currently on the longest winless run of his career, having not claimed a victory since Jeddah last year.
However, Hamilton has been on the podium in each of the past five races and he is confident that the team's progress will yield a win soon.
“I do, definitely,” he said. “Of course, we’ve been improving, we’ve had this consistency in recent races and the great progress that the team is making, everyone pulling together and continuing to push.
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"The car is becoming more of a racing car, which is not what it was at the start of the year! It’s more like a normal racing car in terms of its characteristics so that’s positive."
Mercedes' improvement was highlighted by George Russell taking the team's first pole position of the year at the last race in Hungary.
And with the W13 usually a stronger car on race day, Hamilton sees the package becoming one that can take on Ferrari and Red Bull.
“The last race was the best showing we’ve had so far,” Lewis added. “That for us was a huge boost, that we can close that gap.
"It’s naturally going to be tough, we’ll keep our heads down. The other guys are doing an amazing job but I do believe we can close the gap.”
Mercedes could also be boosted by a new technical directive coming into effect at Spa aimed at limiting the porpoising that was a talking point in the early races.
Included in that are new, stricter measures to stop teams flouting the rules around flexing floors and other tricks with the skid blocks, where the FIA checks plank wear.
It is thought those changes could impact Ferrari and Red Bull the most, potentially bringing the Silver Arrows even more into contention.
