- In an incredibly unfair season, Max Verstappen and his formidable Red Bull RB19 have surpassed Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, along with all of their F1 rivals.
Mercedes is making a bold move to support Lewis Hamilton against Max Verstappen in the upcoming race.
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.
Mercedes will have to make huge strides in the next couple of years if they are to give the seven-time world champion the car he needs to take the fight to Verstappen. So “almost every component” will be changed on the W15 car that Hamilton will drive next year in a bid to dramatically close the performance gap.
And team principal Toto Wolff admits that he and his team are taking a massive risk. He said: “We are changing the concept. We are completely moving away from how we laid out the chassis, the weight distribution, the airflow.
“I mean, literally, there’s almost every component that’s being changed because only by doing that, I think we have a chance.” But he warned: “We could get it wrong also. So, between not gaining what we expect, catching up and making a big step and competing in the front, everything is possible.”
Mercedes have just 12 weeks before their latest creation hits the tarmac in pre-season testing. Asked if he believes his team can get the job done, Wolff admitted: “I have never in my life felt optimistic about anything.
“It may sound a bit miserable, but it’s protected me about managing my expectations and just pushing harder. Because I think it’s never good enough. That’s why I sit here with a bitter-sweet feeling. We won P2 [in the constructors’ championship], but we lost P1.
“I think we need to take it on the chin, be humble about it and consider it a good day. Nevertheless, there’s a Mount Everest to climb in order to catch up with Red Bull. I have no doubt that McLaren is going to be right in the mix next year, and maybe Aston Martin and maybe others.
“We have to 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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