Lewis Hamilton says he is 1000% confident in the Mercedes F1 team’s ability to build a winning car in 2023.
Lewis Hamilton is entering the final stages of a difficult F1 season as the Mercedes F1 team struggles with the complexity of its new generation F1 machine, the W13, which has been converted into a ground effect car.
The extent of the Mercedes F1 team’s problems relate to the bouncing and popping characteristics of the Mercedes W13, particularly in the first half of the season, and Lewis Hamilton is likely to end the season without a win for the first time since his F1 debut . .
Not only at Brackley, but also at Brixworth, Mercedes F1 engineers worked tirelessly to understand and solve the mysteries embedded in the W13, gradually gaining an understanding of the car’s erratic behaviour.
Mercedes F1 bounced back to a podium finish on merit as a result, but Lewis Hamilton is convinced that 2023 will be a very different story for teams and drivers.
“It’s always complicated, but for me I would say ‘we were very strong in the past, we won the world title, our communication continues to improve,'” said Lewis Hamilton.
“We have more meetings and conversations in different groups, so that we can give as much feedback as possible about what we feel in the car and what limitations we can gain time.
“These are things you can’t see in the data, things the driver can bring in. So we’re working closely with George on that as well.”
The final six races of 2022 could crucially help the Mercedes F1 team define the design specifications for its 2023 car, the W14. But Lewis Hamilton says he is already “happy” with the direction the team has set.
“The car has potential, it lacks power but there are places where it’s not being used,” said Hamilton.
“Obviously, ride comfort is always an area where we can improve.”
“So I’m happy with the direction we’re going and I have 1,000% faith in the people who are back at the factory and putting all the pieces of the puzzle together so that we can fight next year. There is no doubt that we will return to our position.”
Category: F1 / Lewis Hamilton / mercedes
