1996 Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill has questioned whether Mercedes should forget about their 2023 development plan, in a bid to be able to compete with Red Bull for the title in 2024.
Mercedes have enjoyed a bit of a resurgence since the Monaco Grand Prix, where they introduced their new concept.
Since dropping their ‘zero-sidepods’ philosophy, the Silver Arrows have looked considerably stronger, something which has seen them overtake Aston Martin for second in the Constructors’ Championship.
Lewis Hamilton in particular has been exceptional since getting to grips with the new concept, with him having finished no lower than fourth in the last three races.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
In the past three races, Hamilton has finished fourth, second and third, putting him close to second and third in the Drivers’ Championship.
The Brackley-based team have certainly discovered the right path to take since introducing their new concept, with team principal Toto Wolff having revealed that further large upgrade packages are scheduled for before the summer break.
Their next big upgrade will be seen at the British Grand Prix, where Hamilton and George Russell will be pushing for a home win.
With Mercedes having finally discovered the right path to take going forwards, Hill has questioned whether the Germans should switch their focus to 2024.
Red Bull are already in complete control of both championships, to the extent where no number of upgrades could help Mercedes overhaul the Austrians.
Mercedes aren’t going to win the Constructors’ Championship this season, making Hill think the Germans should scrap 2023 and completely focus on 2024.
“Ironically, the better Mercedes do [in 2023] the less scope they’ve got for the following year,” Hill said, as reported by GPFans.com.
READ: McLaren boss admits ‘conflict of interest’
“You kind of wonder whether Mercedes ought to be thinking about doing really badly between now and the end of the year.
“I think when you’ve got the budget and you can spend it but you can’t because you did so well the previous season, then it kind of makes you wonder whether you ought to do really badly.
“If you’re not going to win this year, you want to win next year.”