Mercedes suffered one of their worst seasons in F1 in 2022 since they rejoined the sport in 2010. Even Lewis Hamilton struggled badly in the initial part of the season. While they managed to gain back some performance towards the end, former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg thinks that the Silver Arrows still have a long way to go to fight Red Bull in 2023.

Post the Abu Dhabi GP, Rosberg spoke to Sky Sports and mentioned how Mercedes has many issues to iron out before they can fight Red Bull and Ferrari in 2023.

He said, “A lot of it will come down to them still struggling with drag on the straights. The car inherently has more drag than the Ferrari and Red Bull so it doesn’t cut through the wind as well as on the straight.”

“That’s something that they still need to try and figure out. I think that’s the last key that is missing in order to really challenge for wins and championships next year.”

Nico mentioned that Mercedes will have to figure out ways to overcome their problem over the winter break. He concluded, “My bet would be that even next year they will start a little bit behind. This year they spent so much time figuring out the problems on the car rather than moving forward and developing the car.” 

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While the $50M worth former F1 driver thinks the Silver Arrows will take some time in 2023 to gain competitive pace, his former boss Toto Wolff is determined to make a difference next season. Wolff has promised Mercedes fans they shall be ‘back’ towards the front of the field in 2023 to challenge Red Bull and Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton looks to Mercedes for securing future beyond 2023

Lewis Hamilton has been at Mercedes for almost a decade now since he first signed up in 2013. Hamilton recently signed up for a two-year deal in 2021 to stay at Brackley till the end of the 2023 season. However, he is willing to stay beyond 2023 and keep pushing for an 8th-world title.

The 37-year-old confirmed last month that he is looking forward to signing a “multi-year” deal beyond 2023. Lewis said, “I’m not putting a limit on it, to be honest. I’m planning to do a multi-year deal with my team.”

Hamilton mentioned that he is not sure what will be on the cards in his upcoming F1 career. Though he is determined to stay in the sport and perhaps fight for more championships, he believes there is a lot for Mercedes and him to achieve together.

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Realistically, Hamilton still has the speed to stay and achieve more in F1. Of course, if Mercedes can provide him with the car to do so. What do you think? How long will Mercedes take in 2023 to get into title contention?