Mercedes returned to F1 as a constructor back in 2010, the first year when Red Bull won a constructor’s and driver championship. Ever since it has either been Mercedes or Red Bull who have dominated the F1 grid. Whilst the rivalry for the top step was already there, it intensified after the 2021 Abu Dhabi antics. Nevertheless, Lewis Hamilton and Co. prepare to launch a full-blown attack on their arch-rivals as a $7 million nightmare stares Red Bull in the face. Why and how is Mercedes preparing for this attack?

Red Bull has been unstoppable ever since the introduction of ground-effect cars. Nevertheless, some of their advantages were gained unfairly when they broke the cost cap rules last year. As a result, the team was handed a 10% deduction in aero time as well as a $7 million penalty as well. Whilst the team came out all guns blazing into the 2023 season with a massive advantage, both Mercedes and Aston Martin have made up the ground with their major upgrades. 

The Red Bulls finished 20+ seconds ahead during the initial races. However, at the Canadian GP, Verstappen was less than 10 seconds ahead of Alonso who was nursing a supposed rear brake problem. Mercedes’ latest upgrades have brought them back in the fight with another major upgrade due for Silverstone. Red Bull on the other hand cannot bring as many upgrades because of the penalty and aerodynamic restrictions. As Red Bull makes do with what they have, Lewis Hamilton and Co. prepare to bring the fight to them. 

The Silver Arrows have a winning mentality and anything less than a win is considered a compromise. With the consistently decreasing gap between the leaders, Toto Wolff came out advising the effect the upgrades had on closing the gap. If the trajectory continues, Wolff expects to catch Max Verstappen and Co. sooner than later. According to Formu1a.uno, Toto Wolff said “If we improve as done with the latest updates, after the break, we will be able to fight with Red Bull,”

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Lewis Hamilton however was a little worried after the Canadian GP after spending more than half of the race behind Fernando Alonso. Nevertheless, the Briton remains positive with expectations of reaching the top.

Despite the worries faced after the Canadian GP, Lewis Hamilton keeps his chin up

Lewis Hamilton had a brilliant start at the Canadian GP but was later overtaken by Fernando Alonso. Despite multiple efforts and pushing the car to the limit, Hamilton wasn’t able to get close enough to overtake Alonso. Verstappen was in a league of his own finishing around 10 seconds ahead of this scrap. Lewis Hamilton explained how he was losing time in traction zones as he praised AMR23 and RB19’s rear-end traction. The Briton suggested the team has a long way to go but will surely reach the top in due time. 

According to Formu1a.uno, Lewis Hamilton said “In traction from the slow corners, I was losing a lot to Fernando and Max. The rear of Max’s car was incredibly firm coming out of the corners. This is why we still have a lot of work to do, but we are making small steps forward, and I’m sure we’ll get there sooner or later.”

Do you Mercedes have what it takes to reach Red Bull’s pace and start beating them? They definitely have the driver to beat Max Verstappen. They just need the machine for it.

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