Mercedes Formula 1 team is experiencing a challenging season in their hybrid era. From 2014 to 2021, they dominated the sport, winning multiple Constructors‘ Championships. However, last year they finished third in the standings, and this year they are facing tough competition from Red Bull Racing.
If things don’t change dramatically in the remaining races in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, it will be the first time since 2011 that Mercedes fails to win a single Grand Prix in a season. Last year, they came close to this scenario, but George Russell’s performance in Brazil saved them from that fate. This year, even Lewis Hamilton, who has been the team’s star driver, is at risk of going two consecutive seasons without a victory.
The Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos highlighted the significant problems Mercedes is facing. While the team had a decent starting position after qualifying, with Hamilton on pole position, they struggled during the race and lacked competitiveness. Russell didn’t even finish the race, and Hamilton finished eighth. Apart from two races with penalties resulting in zero points, Hamilton’s worst performance this year was at the Red Bull Ring.
„We need to quickly forget about this weekend. I feel like I was nursing the tires today, but there are days when the car simply doesn’t work. It behaves inconsistently on the track. We lack speed on the straights and struggle in the corners,“ described Hamilton his feelings after the disappointing Grand Prix.
Even Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was critical of their performance. He considered the pace in Sao Paulo a massive disappointment compared to Mexico, where Hamilton fought Max Verstappen for victory.
Performance fluctuations are part of Formula 1, but going from almost being the fastest to finishing eighth in a week is unacceptable. For me personally, it was the worst weekend in the last 13 years. It’s completely incomprehensible and absolutely unacceptable for all of us in the team,“ stated Wolff.
Despite the difficulties, the Mercedes team in Brackley is working diligently on their car for the next season. Everyone’s goal is to end the wait for a victory, which has lasted for 357 days until the Brazilian Grand Prix.
„With only two races left with this car, the W14 will be gone, and I will be happy! This year, we are just counting down the days and trying to enjoy each day as much as possible,“ Hamilton reflected on his experiences with what seems to be the worst Mercedes he has driven in his career.
In conclusion, Mercedes is facing a challenging season in Formula 1, struggling to maintain their dominance. However, they are determined to bounce back and are already focusing on improving their car for the upcoming season.
