“Let’s Not Beat Around the Bush”: Lewis Hamilton’s Podium Exposes Mercedes’ Weakest Link as Toto Wolff Served a Big Headache

Although Max Verstappen’s supremacy will remain a major focus whenever we’ll be talking about season 2023, this special circuit will also be remembered for the excellent drive of the two British drivers. Both Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton earned podium finishes at the British Grand Prix. Where the 38-year-old won his 14th podium, the younger Briton clinched his seventh.

However, the seven-time champion raced well to advance four positions, beating the likes of Fernando Alonso and both Ferraris on his way. His amazing podium performance at the Silverstone track has since been dubbed as a “surprise,” as Mercedes’ weakest link gets exposed only to serve Toto Wolff with a big headache.

Tom Clarkson highlighted the weakness of Mercedes

Following a mediocre qualifying performance at the home race, the tension at the Mercedes garage was already elevated. However, thanks to good fortune, Sir Lewis Hamilton claimed the podium. After qualifying in P7, things got worse for Hamilton as he crashed at turn three and lost two spots because of the safety car being deployed due to the Haas’ power unit failing.

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Soon, in a couple of minutes, Mercedes instructed Hamilton to pit. This allowed him a chance to finish in second place on soft tires by utilizing the Safety Car. Nonetheless, the improved Mclaren driven by Lando Norris, which Hamilton described as a “rocket ship” after the race, prevented the maneuver from succeeding. So why did the attempts to secure a P2 were unsuccessful? It was due to Silver Arrows’ weakest link getting exposed, which might have now put the Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, under additional stress.

Following the comebacks of Aston Martin and Ferrari, it is Mclaren that is challenging Mercedes, which is still being exposed to straight-line speed even after the front wing modifications. Bringing up the same matter on the F1 Nation podcast, Tom Clarkson was overheard saying that Hamilton’s third place was “a great surprise.”

He stated, “Well, they’ve got the new front wing here and I think there is a general sense of disappointment within Mercedes and this third place for Lewis Hamilton is a great surprise. You know, they lack straight-line speed, certainly compared to the Red Bull and the McLaren. Maybe the Hungaroring will suit them better.”

Later he pointed out that the podium for the 38-year-old was possible only because of the safety car as he added, ” You know, let’s not beat about the Bush. The only reason Lewis Hamilton was on the podium was because of that safety. Yeah, but I did love that battle.”

McLaren has finally seen benefits from its eagerly awaited improvements. Along with having drivers like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, the team now has managed to offer a competitive vehicle to its drivers, proving to be the second fastest on the grid. In the midst of this, Lewis Hamilton, who had already engaged in battle with three top competitors, is now asking Mercedes to follow the steps of Mclaren.

Witnessing the blistering speed of Mclaren, Lewis Hamilton asks Toto Wolff and co. to replicate it

Even after exerting all necessary effort, Hamilton was unable to overtake Lando Norris in the Silverstone Grand Prix, where he was able to pass several competitors on the starting grid, including his own teammate George Russell. After the modifications, McLaren appears to be the newest contender for the podium. Mercedes, with their weakest link of straight-line speed, is far behind. In light of this, Mercedes’ maestro has urged his team to attempt to imitate McLaren’s development approach.

Mercedes brought the enhancements to the British race and the Monaco Grand Prix. But still, the side didn’t sail smoothly. With that in mind, Hamilton continued by saying that the logical next move would be to attempt to emulate the success of Aston Martin and Mclaren, who have both attempted to take inspiration from Red Bull.

He added, “You know, the McLaren is proof of the direction that they’ve gone. I mean, it was impressive how quick they were in high speed. We’ve got lots of strengths in our car and long run particularly is great. As soon as we get the rear end that they have, we’re going to be on our way–so that’s what we’ve got to fight for.”

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As the season goes on, how likely is it that Mercedes will offer its drivers a competitive vehicle?