Lewis Hamilton is optimistic about the trajectory at Mercedes F1 – but expects Red Bull to make significant gains in 2024.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes can take encouragement from their performance at the Mexican GP. After a sub-optimal qualifying, the W14 was capable of finishing in second place – only behind the dominant Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
This has been a relatively consistent theme for Mercedes in 2023. Although race victories have been beyond reach, the German squad consistently makes a step forward over a race distance. The opposite can be said of Ferrari, who typically regress on Sunday.
Good tyre management and a tendency to improve over a race distance are positive characteristics of an F1 car. With next season now within sight, these are positive developments for Team Brackley.
Aside from raw performance, Mercedes struggled with balance at the beginning of this year’s campaign. This is something Lewis Hamilton flagged, unhappy with the team’s pursuit of the “zeropod” concept.
A crucial phase for Mercedes
With the 7-time Champion now more comfortable in the car, the Silver Arrows can focus on performance. Specifically, it will be necessary to find gains with respect to drag and high-speed cornering.
Speaking after a strong outing in Mexico, Hamilton expressed optimism for 2024. Simultaneously, he made clear that Red Bull will be difficult to topple:
“I know we can build a great car. We haven’t for the past two years – but we can,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think we are progressing. But I’ve heard that Red Bull are progressing as well.
“So we have to be really, really strategic and clinical – they [Mercedes] know that already – in order to be battling those guys.
“They are so quick on the straights. We are losing two and a half tenths into Turn 1. But I believe. I’m ready.
“If we can get a car that can match them, we’re going to have great battles next year.”
As it stands, there are three teams within striking range of Red Bull for 2024. Despite various obstacles, forward steps have been made at Mercedes, Ferrari and – above all – McLaren.
Being an engine manufacturer, it has undoubtedly been difficult for Toto Wolff’s team to see the progression of their customers. Both Aston Martin and McLaren, albeit at different points, have shown that rapid progression is possible.
Although this underscores the failures at Mercedes over winter, it also demonstrates the potential to ascend over winter. Red Bull have done well over the last two years, but they have benefited from the unforced errors of their rivals.
The next five months give Mercedes an opportunity to prove they have learned from their mistakes. F1 will begin a new set of regulations in 2026, making this an essential phase for the German team if they are to fight for Championships in the near future.
