Mercedes vowed they “won’t panic or make knee-jerk reactions” as they appear to get well from their depressing begin to the brand new Formula One season.
Lewis Hamilton was fifth and team-mate George Russell seventh within the season-opening race in Bahrain as Mercedes trailed residence properly adrift of Red Bull, who claimed a one-two by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Both Hamilton and Russell completed greater than 50 seconds behind winner Verstappen, who made an ominous begin to his bid for a 3rd successive title and raised additional questions as as to if the Silver Arrows – who gained a report eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships up till 2021 – can mount a problem this 12 months.
Hamilton complained earlier than the race that his group had been on the “wrong track” and on Wednesday the seven-time world champion stated that Mercedes had ignored him over the event of their 2023 automotive.
With the group now making ready for this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Mercedes on Saturday revealed an open letter to followers admitting that they had been “hurt” by their displaying in Bahrain whereas additionally issuing a rallying cry to all supporters.
The letter learn: “Bahrain hurt. It hurt each one of us, who head into every season determined to fight for world championships.
“It hurt the team as a whole, after pouring so much hard work into a car that hasn’t met our expectations. And we know it hurt you, our fans, too.
“Your passion and support are so important in driving us forward – and we know that we feel the same pain.
Mercedes vowed they “won’t panic or make knee-jerk reactions” after a disappointing begin to the 2023 F1 season
(Getty Images)
“We won’t panic or make knee-jerk reactions. In a spotlight as fierce as F1, people are quick to point fingers, or look for scapegoats. But you know us better than that.
“First, we are working urgently and calmly to build our recovery plan, focusing on what needs to happen short term, medium term, and long term to win.
“Second, we will keep our heads held high – and take this journey step by step, together. We are Mercedes. We know the standards we aspire to, and nobody is flinching when we look at the mountain we must climb.
“Third, we will be calling on each one of you, too, to power us to the front. Whether you’re offering criticism or support, there’s a right way to do it – and a wrong way.
“We want our online community to be a safe space full of healthy debate, where people treat others and are treated with respect – be they team members, Mercedes fans or rival fans.”
