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After many years of Mercedes being in front of the Formula 1 grid, the Brackley-based team seems to struggle for the first time. After last year’s disappointment, Lewis Hamilton does not seem satisfied with the development of the car before the start of the season again.
2022 was the year of significant rule changes. Mercedes opted for a “zero sidepod” design, which the W14 will still use in 2023. Last year, George Russell was able to win in Brazil, but other successes, which the F1 world is used to from Mercedes, were lacking. Lewis Hamilton admits that he came to terms with the W14’s difficulties when he first drove the car.
In Bahrain, Mercedes does not expect to be fighting at the front. Red Bull and Ferrari are the clearer favourites, although Aston Martin could be in the mix.
Hamilton is aware of the challenging situation
Ahead of the first Grand Prix of the 2023 season in Bahrain, Hamilton was rather pessimistic. According to crash.net, he acknowledges that Mercedes is “not where we want to be to start the season”.
The seven-time world champion realised what a task he had ahead of him when he drove the W14 for the first time.
“I knew from the moment I drove the car, the challenge we’d be facing,” Hamilton explained.
“On a positive note, not having the bouncing this year is a huge, huge plus. Trying to understand what the problems were while having bouncing made it difficult to figure out what those were.
“We don’t have that now so now we can just focus on pure performance. I’m encouraged to see the focus and courage of everyone in the team, just so focused on getting us back to the top.
“We’re not where we want to be to start the season, but this still is a multi-championship-winning team and group of people.”
Hamilton is instead confident that Red Bull and Max Verstappen will be able to exploit the RB19’s advantage.
“Hopefully those behind will continue to apply pressure [to Red Bull]. Ferrari have a decent package, Aston have a decent package and we are hunting too,” Hamilton added.
“I don’t think Max will slip up. He is a world champion and I wouldn’t question his determination and focus.”
We’ll be keen to see whether Aston Martin have made a big step forward and are among the top teams this weekend.
Feature Image Credit: Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images