P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes have now found “a North Star” in their F1 car development but says he is “not going to hold my breath” about their chances in 2024.
After a challenging 2023, Mercedes made significant changes to their W14 car design at the Monaco Grand Prix, abandoning their controversial ‘zeropod’ approach. For the 2024 season, Mercedes is planning a major overhaul of their car to address weaknesses and compete for titles again. However, Lewis Hamilton acknowledged that reaching their goals has been a zigzag process without a clear direction. He believes they now have a clear vision but acknowledges that progress is not straightforward. Cost cap restrictions have hindered Mercedes in making necessary changes, leaving them blocked at times. Red Bull’s dominance in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix raises concerns for Mercedes, as the Red Bull team has shown continuous development, while Mercedes had to rebuild their aero package. Despite hurdles, Hamilton is hopeful as they understand the car better and have implemented new tools. However, confidence within the team has been impacted, as they face higher targets and a significant gap to close.