“Our Goal Is Clear. We’re Here To Fight Ferrari”: Lewis Hamilton & George Russell Ready for Battle As Mercedes Warn Red Rivals of What Is To Come

Mercedes has only a few more opportunities left to end their winless season curse. The highly anticipated US Grand Prix saw them coming very close to breaking it, though. Lewis Hamilton fought an intense battle with Max Verstappen for the win, but ultimately had to concede defeat to the mighty RB18. Despite the loss, this was a race that enlivened Mercedes and its fans alike who saw their legend race like he used to.

In the latest debrief of the US Grand Prix, Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin, and strategy director James Vowles tackled questions and comments from the fans.

Among the questions was one that asked whether Mercedes is still aiming to fight Ferrari for P2 in the Constructor’s standings. Or would they be content with third place as it gave them more wind tunnel time for 2023?

Mercedes’ chief strategist, James Vowles emphatically answered, “Our goal is clear. We’re here to fight Ferrari and take second place by the end of the championship.”

“It’s a tall order where we are in points now; they’ve got over 50 points deficit that we have to overcome in the next three races,” admitted Vowles.

“But we’re here to pick up everything we can towards the end of the year and learn, more importantly, about where we need to be next year.”

“I mean, ultimately, we don’t want to be finishing second or third but certainly third for us would just be nothing. The ATR would be a small consolation prize relative to the gain of being second in this year’s championship.”

READ MORE: “Only If…”: Mercedes F1 Chief Toto Wolff Refuses to Step Into a Porsche, Has One Condition

The Mercedes team’s grit and determination are admirable, to say the least. With only three races left in the season, hopefully, they can win the fight with Ferrari and score their first victory of 2022 as well.

Mercedes team principal says the DNA of the car will change in 2023

Mercedes is focused on fighting Ferrari for second place in the 2022 Constructor’s Championship. But with only three races to spare, they are well aware that it is time to prepare for the next season as well.

The numerous upgrades late in the season are not only meant to give a boost to their last stand in 2022 but also lay the groundwork for 2023.

After this year’s learning curve post the new FIA regulations, it is obvious that Mercedes will look to change a lot in their car. Team principal Toto Wolff also corroborated this in a statement speaking about the car’s future.

“The DNA of the car is going to change for next year, that’s clear,” said Wolff.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean that our bodywork is going to look very different. But certainly what is part of the DNA of the car, the architecture of the car, will change for next year.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen Slams Talks of Mercedes Threat in a Single Breath

Silver Arrow fans will be cheering for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to win the next three races. Although the 37-year-old admitted that it would be difficult for them to beat Red Bull in the remaining races, do you think they can get at least one win in their bag so that Hamilton can keep his record for most consecutive seasons with at least one win?