Motor racing-Hamilton says next six months are crucial for Mercedes

Formula One F1 - Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan - September 24, 2023 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during the drivers parade before the race REUTERS/Androniki Christodoulou

SUZUKA, Japan (Reuters) - An exhausted Lewis Hamilton wrestled his Mercedes to fifth place in the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday and said the team faced their biggest Formula One development challenge in coming months.

The seven-time world champion, who has not won a race since 2021 and is now 38, said he was fighting hard for the team to finish second overall but major improvements had to come next season.