After a challenging double header, Mercedes appear to be enjoying some downtime ahead of the United States Grand Prix next weekend, with a bit of bowling to pass the time.
Singapore and Japan could’ve gone significantly better for the Silver Arrows, who failed to claim a podium at either round.
Mercedes proved to have pace at both venues; however, the straight-line speed of the W13 cost Sir Lewis Hamilton and George Russell considerably.
At Singapore, Hamilton failed to find a way past Carlos Sainz for third and instead made a shocking error himself, where he crashed into the barrier on the exit of Turn 7.
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Russell found the going just as tough, after starting the race from the pit-lane after needing a new power unit.
The 24-year-old struggled to make any progress due to the lack of straight-line speed being produced by the car, which seems to be strong in every other area.
The Japanese Grand Prix again demonstrated that the W13’s straight-line speed is costing them podiums and potentially even victories, as Hamilton spent the entire race on the gearbox of Esteban Ocon.
Hamilton was so much faster than the Frenchman; however, the moment they started the rundown to 130R, Ocon was able to use the incredible speed of the A522 to pull away.
If Mercedes had a car that was faster in a straight-line, then it is safe to assume they would’ve won a race, which would mean they wouldn’t be in the current situation they are in.
The Brackley-based outfit are just four races away from losing an incredible record, of having claimed victory at least once every season since 2012.
Hamilton faces an even bigger predicament, with the seven-time World Champion set to lose his record of having claimed a win in every season of Formula 1 he’s competed in, dating back, of course, to 2007.
Second place in the Constructors’ Championship is also looking out of the window now, with the Germans 67 points behind Ferrari.
A miracle is seemingly needed to claim a victory and second in the standings, with focus likely to switch to making sure 2023 isn’t a replica of their 2022 disaster.
Despite all their struggles, though, the team spirit at the Silver Arrows appears greater than ever, with Hamilton having revealed that it’s been a “great experience” for the team to have had to deal with 2022.
READ: Lewis Hamilton makes Japanese GP claim after Esteban Ocon fight
Bowling is clearly the side’s latest team bonding activity, as Hamilton, Russell, and members of the team were seen at an alley.
A video emerged onto social media of Hamilton facetiming Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, as the 37-year-old showed the Austrian that Russell had taken his own bowling shoes, in what the comments deem as “the most George Russell thing to do”.
“George has got his own bowling shoes,” Hamilton said to Wolff whilst pointing the camera at Russell’s footwear, resulting in laughter from the pair.