Mercedes came into the season after a successful 2021, despite Hamilton narrowly missing out on the championship. On to the 2022 season, however, the results have not panned out the way they expected. They are currently 47 points behind leaders Ferrari and many believe the gap might extend in the upcoming races.
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It’s not been the best few months for Silver Arrows. After dominating F1 for the past decade and winning every title on offer, fans and experts have criticized their performances after 4 races. The W13 has suffered from extreme porpoising, especially at Imola, where Lewis Hamilton finished P13.
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Toto Wolff and Hamilton himself are downbeat at their chances of retaining the championship. Meanwhile, former McLaren driver and Hamilton’s teammate Jenson Button admits Mercedes’ struggles have caught him by surprise.
Jenson Button feels Mercedes’ chances are fading away
Mercedes, like many teams, has suffered from porpoising issues. It was visible that leaders Ferrari also suffer from the same issues, but their speed on the corners has been the difference so far. Jenson Button is certainly astounded by Silver Arrows’ poor start while appreciating Ferrari’s pace.
“I’m really surprised. Ferrari has nothing to lose, they have bet everything on 2022. And when you look at their car in a straight line, it looks horrible because of the porpoising, but in the corners, it is beautiful to see. The Scuderia has done a great job,” conveyed Button.
Meanwhile, Red Bull, after a dismal start to the season, has certainly shown signs of improvement. Their 1-2 finish in Imola means they are right back in contention for the championship. And Button believes Mercedes’ chances are slipping away as Red Bull and Ferrari are in a league of their own.
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He added, “And I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Ferrari enjoys more time in the wind tunnel than Mercedes and also Red Bull. So it will be very complicated for Mercedes to come back.”
The 2009 World Champion knows what it takes to win a championship. He feels the Silver Arrows have two skilled drivers in Russell and Hamilton, and therefore, is confident that they can bounce back.
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The battle for the championship is getting intense between Ferrari and Red Bull. However, Mercedes fans will hope their team can join the top two in the race for the championship as the season progresses.