The ultimate goal for every team in F1 is to finish on top of the constructor’s table at the end of the season. However, various factors showcase how every position in the constructors’ standings makes a huge difference for every team. With Red Bull nearly running away with the 2023 crown teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin will battle till the end for the second spot. This is exactly why George Russell put up a united front with Lewis Hamilton to get Mercedes over the line in the same position. A position which is worth a whopping $11 million.

There are a lot of factors that affect a team depending on their final standing in the constructors table. The team is allotted subsequent wind tunnel time, and their entry fee for the next season is dependent on the same. Last but not least, the teams’ prize money also varies depending on where they finish on the table. For example, in 2023, any constructor finishing in P2 will be awarded $157.2 million compared to $146.4 million for third. This $11 million difference is why Russell will keep his competition with his teammate aside and help get his team over the line in second place. He confessed that to the media, including RacingNews365.

“My goal is to have a smoother end to the season, just to maximize the results,” explained the Mercedes man. “We’re in a pretty comfortable position in P2, but we can’t let that slip. The way that I help the team achieve this, is if I’m just putting in the consistent and solid results. But if there’s a chance to win, I’ll give it everything to achieve that.”

Read More: Lewis Hamilton’s Ambitions To Be on Hold As Mercedes Remain Stuck in the First Losers’ Battle: “We Expected To Be..”

Although the young Brit does not have the support of his world-champion teammate in these noble efforts.

Lewis Hamilton sets his sights on 2024 while dismissing the current campaign for a more competitive start

Despite all the promises and the efforts, the start of the 2023 season was still a disappointment for Mercedes. However, the team finally caved in and adhered to Hamilton’s demands for a complete revamp. These changes might’ve given the team some hope for a brighter more competitive future. However, the changes weren’t enough to catch the mighty Red Bull. This is exactly why Hamilton is now urging his team to focus on 2024 already.

He said, “We have made great progress in recent weeks, but it is not easy to predict where it will take us. We have to aim to be competitive from the first test in 2024.”

However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff isn’t ready to throw in the towel at their defense of the P2 in this season’s championship. He said, “I wouldn’t want to give up any season,”

Hamilton might’ve had his way in the development path of the W14 but we doubt he will be able to make the team focus on 2024 already. Regardless, the next two seasons will be important for Mercedes to mount a challenge on Red Bull before it all resets in 2026.

WATCH THIS STORY | Lewis Hamilton remains unwavering in his determination to halt Max Verstappen’s dominance, despite enduring significant neglect from the FIA