P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton still believes an eighth World Championship is possible, but his Mercedes team faces huge challenges to catch Red Bull and Max Verstappen.
“The 2023 season proved to be a disappointment for Mercedes, as their unique zero sidepod design failed to deliver the expected performance. Lewis Hamilton, after testing the car in February, had a feeling of doom and knew it would be a difficult season. The car had numerous problems and the team struggled to compete with Red Bull. With key changes happening within the team, a quick bounce back in 2024 seems unlikely. Despite a brief improvement with a floor upgrade at the United States Grand Prix, Mercedes’ performance declined again, especially at Interlagos where they struggled with straight line speed. Hamilton’s resignation and lack of motivation was evident in his performances, as he is a champion who wants to win. It’s worth noting that the team’s operational efficiency and communication also suffered, with instances of miscommunication between Hamilton and George Russell on track. Overall, the 2023 season highlighted the challenges Mercedes faced and the need for significant improvements going forward.”
