Mercedes’ 2022 season was a disaster, as the team got their concept surrounding the major regulation changes that came into effect at the start of the year completely wrong.
While the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari appeared to figure out what works best in the new era of Formula 1 relatively quickly, Mercedes’ design of the W13 caused their drivers a whole host of problems.
The team have not been shy to admit that that made mistakes last season, understanding that their design of the W13 and understanding of the regulations was what caused their shortcomings rather than blaming anything else.
There will have been many late nights in the factory as the team worked with the driver to try and get to grips with their 2022 failures and design a more successful car for 2023, and after a lot of hard work, the public have had their first look at the W14.
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In a video posted on social media, Mercedes showed off their engineers starting up the W14 for the very first time, but understandably kept the finer details of the car’s design secret.
Lewis Hamilton is set to sign a contract extension over the winter break with Mercedes, as he continues his hunt for a record breaking eighth world championship title.
The 37-year-old was outscored by his new teammate George Russell in 2022 but has now sent a positive message ahead of the new year, claiming that last season was a big learning curve for the team.
“I’m definitely excited for 2023,” said Hamilton.
“These last few years have been so difficult for so many around the world, so many people struggling with the war and so many other things. I hope something kicks us al into gear to understand that we need to be more compassionate and caring to each other and I am praying for that all the time.
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“A new year to be better, a new year to climb, keep fighting and unite even more. And it’s another chance to fight for a World Championship.”
With the Brit initially claiming that he had no intention to race into his 40’s Hamilton’s contract renewal may come as the biggest indicator yet that Mercedes expect to be competitive again in 2023.
The heart break of 2021 may have given Hamilton an extra level of motivation to win an eighth world title before he retires, recently claiming that he dreams of retiring as a champion.