Heading into the 2023 championship season there is only one clear favorite which is Red Bull. The Milton Keynes-based outfit cruised to victory in 2022 and most expect the same in the upcoming season. However, a few teams have put themselves in contention one of them being Mercedes as well. The Brackley outfit has renewed hope for 2023 after falling way behind Red Bull and Ferrari in 2022. However, after the Friday testing in Bahrain, George Russell dulled those expectations for the season opener.

The circus starts its journey in Bahrain in a week’s time. Every team will be competing to beat the Red Bull world champion Max Verstappen, including Mercedes. However, as quoted by The Athletic, expecting to beat or even catch up to Red Bull at the season opener is “a bit of a stretch” according to Russell.

Speaking to the media after a botched testing session, Russell said, “We definitely believe eventually we will have a car capable of giving that fight [to Red Bull]. Whether we’re going to have that next weekend in Bahrain? I think it may be a bit of a stretch. [Red Bull] look very strong, very stable. The car is looking really strong, and Max is performing really well. I think realistically, it will be a stretch for next week.”

Russell may be down but he is not counting himself or his Mercedes out. “But there’s no reason why, eventually, we can’t get there at some point this year,” he concluded.

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However, the fans are still not convinced that Mercedes is still too far off from the front runners and is deliberately selling itself short. However, the botched testing session should prove the fans wrong.

George Russell was unable to test his W14 to the limit with limited time on track

The Brit went out on the Bahrain track for some testing in the second half of Friday. However, the young Brit’s practice was cut short due to an unexpected problem.

The Brit had to retire his W14 just after 26 laps around the track. Russell’s W14 was out of power after the short run. The Brit attempted to drag his car, stuck in the fourth gear, back to the paddock before coming to a complete halt. The team later reported a hydraulic failure caused the premature end to Russell’s testing with no chance of more track time on Friday.

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A hydraulic failure in testing is a worrisome aspect for Mercedes and Co. However, it could be a blessing in disguise as they prepare for the season opener.