Mercedes has taken drastic measures to save Lewis Hamilton, while Toto Wolff admits he is a major threat to Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, like other F1 rivals, were no match for Max Verstappen and his powerful Red Bull RB19 during a very one-sided season.
Mercedes is taking a big risk to help Lewis Hamilton challenge Max Verstappen next year.
Silver Arrows has been living in Red Bull’s shadow for the past two years. Hamilton, who turns 39 in January, is running out of time to win an eighth Formula 1 world title.
Mercedes will need to make big moves over the next few years if they are to give the seven-time world champion the car he needs to compete with Verstappen. So in the W15 car that Hamilton will drive next year, “almost every part” will be changed to drastically reduce the performance gap.
And team boss Toto Wolff admitted he and his team were taking a big risk. He said: “We are changing the concept. We completely ditched the chassis layout, weight distribution and airflow. \ “I literally believe that we have the chance to literally change almost every part.” But he warned: you may compete on a big and face. \ ”
Mercedes has only asphalt to test the season. When asked if he thought his team could get the job done, Wolf admitted, “I’ve never been more optimistic in my life.
“It might sound a bit pathetic, but it helped me manage my expectations and put in the effort. Because in my opinion, it’s never enough. So I sit here feeling bitter. We finished second [in the Constructors’ Championship] but lost first place.
“I think we have to take it on our shoulders, be humble and see it as a good day. But to catch up with Red Bull, you have to climb Mount Everest. I have no doubt that McLaren will be the right choice next year. Maybe Aston Martin and others will too. “Whatever we do at Brixworth and Brackley, we must leave no stone unturned. As difficult as it is to remember that we are only P2, this is a great opportunity to come back and chase the stars.”
In a social media post this week, Hamilton promised fans he would do his best to challenge Verstappen in 2024. He wrote: “We know there is a lot of work to be done and I promise it will be a lot of fun getting there. Seasons like this are even more satisfying when we do them.”
