2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg believes Mercedes can fight for the 2024 World Championship; however, to do so they need to get over their struggle to perform consistently.
Ever since the current aerodynamic regulations were introduced at the start of 2022, Mercedes have shown glimmers of performance but never the finished article.
Mercedes have performed like a yoyo ever since the current regs were introduced, with the Silver Arrows either performing strongly or absolutely woefully.
This has been the case ever since the 2023 season departed Europe, as Mercedes were fast in Singapore but were then off the pace in Japan.
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At the following round in Qatar, the Brackley-based team were towards the front again, whilst they maintained their strong performance in Austin and Mexico City.
Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, it seemed like genuine progress was finally being made; however, the side went onto endure their worst performance perhaps since the new regs were introduced.
Moving onto last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix and the car was fast at times, but the lap times just couldn’t be produced consistently.
Consistency has been a huge problem in 2022 and 2023, with that being what’s holding Lewis Hamilton and George Russell back.
To solve this, yet another new concept is being introduced in 2024, to finally take the fight to Red Bull on a regular basis.
Rosberg pointed out Mercedes’ consistently struggles but did note that they’ve shown “flashes of brilliance” at times.
If they can make the flashes more regular next season, then the ex-Mercedes driver believes that Mercedes and Hamilton can fight for the titles once again.
“We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from the Mercedes team just recently,” Rosberg has told the Daily Mail.
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“They lack consistency. But look at Austin. They were challenging for the win there and actually had the fastest car over the weekend.
“So, we’ve seen that they’re starting to understand the car and they just have the problem that you still lack consistency. They still lack in straight line performance but they are starting to understand all that.
“I believe in Mercedes’ ability because I was there. I know how strong they are. It’s always still the same people. So, certainly there is a chance that Hamilton could once again fight for the championship next year.”