Formula One pundit Martin Brundle says Lewis Hamilton‘s Mercedes team is currently grappling with feelings of frustration and confusion, operating in what he termed “survival mode.”
In the recent Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton secured a fourth-place finish, with his teammate George Russell coming in two places behind. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen of Red Bull clinched his eighth consecutive victory.
Despite holding the second position in the constructors’ championship as they head into the sport’s summer break, Mercedes is struggling to address the challenge of Hamilton’s 35-race losing streak.
This situation has left the team searching for answers and navigating a complex phase of uncertainty.
See you soon, @LewisHamilton. 👋 pic.twitter.com/HtbbcIgXLF
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 30, 2023
In Spa-Francorchamps, the seven-time world champion faced another significant setback when a new upgrade for his car, featuring revised sidepods and a modified floor, seemingly led to the reemergence of porpoising – a bouncing motion of the car.
Following the race, Hamilton expressed his frustration, noting that his Mercedes was bouncing uncontrollably and likening the sensation to that experienced with last year’s car. This vehicle had resulted in his lowest championship finishing position in his career.
“Mercedes will be very frustrated,” said Brundle, 64. “Their car is on a knife edge to set up, to understand and to drive.
“They are surviving the season, as they did last year, and making the best of a bad situation because they are a great team.
“But I would imagine they are confused with this car. They promise a great result, get something special, then go to the next race with upgrades and fall off the pace.”
Over the last 19 months, Mercedes has only managed to secure a single victory, a stark contrast to their previous dominant performance that led to an unprecedented eight consecutive constructors’ titles. Russell disclosed that the team has been seeking inspiration from their previously triumphant machines.
Solid result to end a tough run of races. We know where we need to improve and will be back stronger in the second half of the season. For now, though, it's time for a break over summer. Thanks to the whole team for their hard work so far this year. Enjoy some well-earned rest.✌️ pic.twitter.com/kcrsytDBg6
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) July 30, 2023
“We are working really hard on the characteristics for next yea, and we are looking a lot at how the previous generation of cars were for Mercedes, the glory years, and using that as inspiration,” said Russell.
“Clearly they were some of the best cars in history. So that is giving us some pointers of where we need to aim for.
“I am sure we will be strong in the second half of the season. We have some little things coming after the break and I am confident we will secure second in the team championship and close the gap to Red Bull.”
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