Can Mercedes problem Red Bull in new F1 season? | You Ask The Questions
Lewis Hamilton has but to resolve his future absolutely by way of a brand new contract with Mercedes, however he has insisted his plan stays to compete and win an eighth world title, as revealed throughout an attention-grabbing lie-detector take a look at.
The British driver took half within the take a look at earlier than the 2023 season-opener on the Bahrain Grand Prix. Meanwhile, there’s a query mark over whether or not he’ll prolong his keep along with his present staff amid their dismal begin to the brand new marketing campaign.
Hamilton has now additionally recommended he instructed Mercedes about his fears for the automotive this yr however they weren’t heeded.
Elsewhere, Nico Rosberg has taken intention on the staff, Red Bull staff principal Christian Horner has confirmed the beginning of engine talks with McLaren – and Max Verstappen is basking within the glory of his first win of the season and Aston Martin’s nice begin has been broadly met with acclaim.
F1 information LIVE: Ferrari chief orders ‘full investigation’ into Charles Leclerc’s retirement at Bahrain Grand Prix
The Monegasque driver was compelled out of the season opening race on the Sakhir Circuit in a disappointing begin to the 2023 season for the Italian staff.
The former Alfa Romeo chief clarified that it isn’t an issue with the staff’s engine, however mentioned that it was “a shame” for Leclerc’s season to start out in such a way.
“We haven’t faced the same issue at all during the six or seven thousand kilometres that we did with the engine last week, with the three teams [Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Haas], and… with the dyno.”
Kieran Jackson9 March 2023 10:07
F1 information LIVE: Nico Rosberg doesn’t maintain again in damning verdict of Mercedes after Bahrain GP
Nico Rosberg insists Mercedes’ automotive idea is “in a river” because the staff reveal they’re set to vary course only one race into the brand new Formula 1 season.
Mercedes determined to stay with their distinctive ‘no-sidepod’ design this yr regardless of a troubled 2022 wherein they solely gained a single race and completed third within the Constructors’ Championship.
However, after a tough testing interval, the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix noticed Mercedes lose round a second-a-lap in comparison with the victorious Red Bulls out in entrance, whereas a rejuvenated Aston Martin additionally had extra tempo than Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
As such, staff boss Toto Wolff says the staff should change their philosophy in the event that they need to be aggressive and Rosberg – who gained his World Championship in 2016 with Mercedes earlier than retiring – has considerations about how rapidly Mercedes can reverse their fortunes in an period of cost-cap.
The 2023 finances cap is ready at £111m.
Kieran Jackson9 March 2023 10:05
F1 information LIVE: Lewis Hamilton criticises Mercedes for ‘not listening’ over W14 issues
Lewis Hamilton has claimed that Mercedes “didn’t listen” to his considerations in regards to the staff’s new W14 automotive.
Hamilton has now recommended that the staff ignored his considerations, calling for “accountability” and a collective effort to resolve their issues.
“Last year, I told them the issues that are with the car,” Hamilton mentioned to the BBC. “Like, I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs, I know what a car doesn’t need.
“And I think it’s really about accountability, it’s about owning up and saying ‘yeah, you know what, we didn’t listen to you, it’s not where it needs to be and we’ve got to work’.”
Kieran Jackson9 March 2023 10:03