Mercedes has been a shadow of its precious from the start of the 2022 season. They stuck to their zero pod concept for 2023 as well but so far, that has backfired as well. The teams that are currently leading the pace charts are Red Bull and Aston Martin. The latter is built on the same concept as the hugely successful and dominant RB18. Keeping this scenario in mind, the Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has urged Lewis Hamilton and Co. to switch to the obviously superior concept of RB19.

However, before the start of the current season, Hamilton took an idealistic approach and claimed the Red Bull clones are a disgrace. Hamilton backed the team of engineers in Brackley to get him back to fighting for wins. After three races, the mood has changed in the Mercedes camp. This is exactly why, while speaking to Sport Bild, as quoted by Formula Passion, Dr. Marko urged the Silver Arrows to put their pride aside to get back to winning ways.

Marko said, “Copying is a daily activity in Formula 1 and there is nothing dishonorable about it. This job is all about having the fastest car possible and celebrating the successes you achieve. You can’t accept years of underperformance because you’re too proud to admit that others have done a better job.”

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The much-needed change is already in works behind the scenes which was revealed by Toto Wolff. In fact, everyone in Mercedes is humbled after the opening race and Hamilton’s confession is proof of that.

Despite being put to shame by the prowess of the RB19, Lewis Hamilton takes the high road and praises the Austrian team

Max Verstappen has left Hamilton in the dust on one too many occasions in recent history. However, despite being irked by the scenario, Hamilton is not holding any grudges. In fact, the Brit has a changed perspective on the team which he once labeled, “just a drinks company.”

Hamilton said, “It can take a long time to overtake a superior car. There are cars that lose strength as the season progresses, but I expect the opposite with Red Bull. Red Bull is a great team and they will continue to improve their car,” he added. “Hopefully we will be able to close the gap in the rest of the season.”

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Respect where respect is due and Red Bull’s performance in 2022 and so far in the current season demands respect. The Brit recognizes that and knows it will take a mammoth effort to catch the Austrian team.

The question remains: will they be able to do it in the current season? If yes, will they be able to before it’s too late?