Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have, like the rest of their F1 rivals, been unable to challenge Max Verstappen and his mighty Red Bull RB19 in an extraordinarily one-sided season
Mercedes will take a huge risk in a desperate attempt to help Lewis Hamilton fight with Max Verstappen next year.
The Silver Arrows have spent the last two years living in Red Bull’s shadow. And Hamilton, who turns 39 in January, is running out of time to secure the eighth Formula 1 world title he so desperately craves.
If Mercedes is to provide the seven-time world champion with the vehicle he needs to challenge Verstappen, they will need to make significant advancements in the upcoming years. Therefore, in an attempt to significantly narrow the performance difference, “nearly every component” on the W15 car that Hamilton will drive next year will be altered.
Toto Wolff, the team principal, acknowledges that he and his group are taking a significant risk. “We are changing the concept,” he declared. We are making a radical departure from the chassis, weight distribution, and airflow layout that we originally designed.
“There are literally changes being made to almost every component because I believe that’s the only way we have a chance.” Then again, he cautioned: “We might also be mistaken. Therefore, anything is possible, including not achieving our goals, catching up, taking a significant step, and competing at the top.”
There are just twelve weeks left before Mercedes’ newest creation takes to the track for pre-season testing. When asked if he thought his team could finish the task, Wolff said, “I have never felt optimistic about anything in my life.”
“Although it sounds a little depressing, it has taught me to control my expectations and simply work harder. Because it’s never good enough, in my opinion. I feel a mixture of emotions as I sit here because of this. In the constructors’ championship, we came in second, but we came in last.
“I believe we should accept it, exercise humility, and go on with our day. Still, there’s Mount Everest to scale before you can catch up to Red Bull. Without a doubt, McLaren, along with possibly Aston Martin and others, will be competitive next year.
We must investigate every possibility, which is what we do in Brixworth and Brackley. Even though it’s difficult to be reminded that P2 is all that exists, there is still a fantastic chance to return and aim higher.”
Hamilton assured supporters this week on social media that he would do everything in his power to challenge Verstappen in 2024. “We know there’s a lot of work to be done…,” he wrote. It will be thrilling to get there, I assure you, and seasons like these will make it even more rewarding when we do.”
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