Mercedes F1 team encountered unprecedented challenges during the recently concluded 2023 Formula One season. For the first time in over a decade-long history, the Silver Arrows went winless for an entire season. Undoubtedly, the team hit rock bottom and left the drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, helpless and frustrated.
Besides steep competition from Red Bull, the root cause of Mercedes’ struggle remained its car, W14. While the team resolved the bouncing issue, the machinery lacked a competitive pace. It was extremely unpredictable and inconsistent. Having said that, ahead of the 2024 season, the Brackley-based team is looking to reverse the mistakes. And Hamilton, who recently took a stalk of W15 development, dropped hints on what to expect in 2024.
Lewis Hamilton Visits Mercedes’ Factories To Take Stalk Of W15’s Development!
Mercedes’ lead driver and seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has been without a win since 2021. The 38-year-old is desperately looking for his eighth title before calling it quits. Meanwhile, as far as the 2024 season is concerned, the British driver is hopeful of a turnaround. He recently visited the team’s factories set up in Brackley and Brixworth to take a look at W15’s development, days ahead of the FIA gala. At the event, Hamilton shared his honest assessment of the development so far and also put forth his expectations. Lewis said that he cannot say anything for certain as he is not an engineer or designer. But overall, he hopped in to check the wind tunnel and was left amused.
Lewis Hamilton further added that he has a tendency to keep wind tunnel as the base of car assessment. “I always go by the wind tunnel when I go to the factory to see it evolving in whichever direction it ends up going,” said the Briton. The veteran was quite happy and satisfied with the present product as he felt his input was being heard. However, he expects the car to be a “different animal” the next time he sees it after winter. Hamilton believes the work at the factory never stops, and the machinery would only be better once the winter concludes. Ultimately, the seven-time champion has faith in his team to produce a competitive car in 2024. “I have full faith in everyone that’s working on it, and I’m hopeful that we will be in a much more competitive position next year,” added Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton Congratulates Team For Defending P2 In Constructors
Despite an abysmal 2023 season, Mercedes successfully secured P2 in the constructors championship. While Ferrari posed a big threat, the Silver Arrows defended the position with a mere three-point lead. Nonetheless, it was an effort worth acknowledging as Lewis Hamilton used the FIA stage to applaud his team’s efforts.
Hamilton said the hard work of Mercedes professionals is worth applause. And with the way the team overcame challenges throughout the year, it’s safe to assume that the future is bright, added the Briton. “We want it, we’re willing, we can do it. So, yeah, have an amazing time. Thank you so much,” Lewis concluded.
