2023 seems like a make-or-break season for the dynasty created by Mercedes since the start of the turbo-hybrid era of Formula 1. Depending on what happens through the course of the season, 2022 can either be a small interruption to their dominant streak or the start of a spiraling descent so many great teams have faced in the past. Irrespective of what the future beholds for the fate of the Silver Arrows, Lewis Hamilton and Co. would be focused solely now on getting as much data as possible during the 3-day pre-season test that commenced today.

The first proper track day for the W14 began today at the Sakhir International Circuit in Bahrain. From the very outset, it is important to note that the lap times registered during testing really aren’t a precursor to the final pecking order. Be that as it may, a lot can be read between the lines to see where the teams stand before the start of the season. Mercedes have remained faithful to their aggressive ‘zeropod’ design and have made supposed gains in the weight-loss department with the carbon-fiber-infused black livery. All of these sound really promising on paper. However, how did it translate on track?

The biggest issue that plagued the Brackley-based team last year was the horrendous bouncing on the straights more commonly known as porpoising. The incessant stalling and re-engaging of the aerodynamic package of the W13 meant that the car lost a ton of aero efficiency and lap time throughout the season. Naturally, the main focus of the team during the winter would’ve been to address this.

After the first day of actual running, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has some news for the fans. According to Motorsport.com, the Austrian stakeholder and Silver Arrows boss bear some promising news. He was quoted as saying, “There’s no bouncing, which is good news.”

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The W14 we see today, may not even be the spec they run for the entirety of the season. That being said, whichever way they go, in terms of design, Mercedes is sure to bridge the gap to the front.

Lewis Hamilton delivers the verdict on his 2023 title chances

Coming into the season, Hamilton finds himself on the cusp of ultimate F1 glory. If he can win this season, he would’ve surpassed Michael Schumacher as the most successful F1 driver with a whopping 8 world titles. But does the 38-year-old really believe he has a shot at the title this year?

Sky Sports quoted the Brit as saying, “I think this year everyone’s a lot more grounded. We perhaps won’t be the fastest out the gate, but we have the potential to hopefully be closer and to close the gap early on in the season.”

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From what you’ve seen from the Silver Arrows on Day 1 of testing, have they rectified the gremlins of the past? Are they en route to another championship? Or is Red Bull still a class apart from the competition?