Mercedes never quite managed to get to grips with the massive regulation overhaul that came with the start of the 2022 season.
The team battled with severe porpoising issues at the start of the season which saw them lose ground to Red Bull and Ferrari in the development race that they could not quite make up.
George Russell secured the Silver Arrow’s only win of the season in Brazil, with his teammate Lewis Hamilton finishing in P2 to make it the team’s first one-two finish since Imola in 2020.
Hamilton has recently joked about the shortcomings of the W13, telling reporters that he will not be looking to insert a clause in his new contract that would see him keep the car for his personal collection.
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Following the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, where the 37-year-old experienced Mercedes’ only mechanical failure of the season, Hamilton has posted on Instagram to bid farewell to the 2022 season.
“I’m pretty sure I speak for all of us then I say I’m glad the season has come to an end,” he began.
“I won’t miss it! Still, I want to thank my team for all the hard work this year. Through it all, we pushed on and leaned so much that will get us back to the top next year.
“I have no doubt we’ll come back better. We’ll be back. I’ll be back.”
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The seven-time world champion had previously said that he had no intention of racing into his 40’s, however after missing out on a record breaking eighth title in heart breaking fashion last season, Hamilton is determined to avenge what he believes was an injustice.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has urged his driver to take inspiration from Fernando Alonso, who is driving at the top of his game at 41 and showing no signs of slowing down as he completes a move to Aston Martin.
Wolff has also told fans not to worry about Hamilton’s expiring contract, claiming that the pair always discuss contract extensions over the winter break, rather than during the season.