With Lewis Hamilton ending fourth, Formulation 1 left Belgium having witnessed a well-recognized determine taking the chequered flag.
Max Verstappen delivered his tenth win of the season in dominant vogue, cruising previous former championship rival Lewis Hamilton within the course of.
The overtake can have introduced again recollections for might of their epic on-track battles from 2021. Nevertheless, with Hamilton not having taken a win since that season, the query stays will he attain the highest step in any of the remaining races this season?
Mercedes’ Continued Struggles
By their very own admission, Mercedes took a mistaken path with their 2023 automobile design philosophy. This was successfully was an evolution of final years troublesome W13.
Outcomes have been extra constant in comparison with final season. Nevertheless, the dominance of Crimson Bull and the rise of midfield groups comparable to Aston Martin and Mclaren has left victories out of the query for the Silver Arrows.
The crew arguably boast essentially the most gifted driver pairing on the grid in George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Regardless of this, lack of ability to offer them with a front-running automobile continues to be a frustration.
Common upgrades imply the crew have regularly fought for podiums. Though, the latest efficiency enhancements noticed the return of the bouncing phenomenon that plagued the crew all through 2022.
Mercedes’ will likely be hoping their upcoming packages scheduled for after the summer time break will eradicate this. The objective will likely be to offer a strong platform to work from going ahead.
Hamilton nonetheless has the tempo
Lewis Hamilton has remained the centre of consideration regardless of his crew’s present efficiency ranges.
No matter their tempo, Lewis has demonstrated all year long that he nonetheless has the tempo to battle on the entrance ought to he be given the instruments to take action.
Second place finishes in Melbourne and Barcelona had been adopted up by a shocking pole place in Budapest.
When given the chance, Lewis has delivered sturdy outcomes, maybe outcomes that proceed the expectations of the crew of their present scenario.
If Mercedes can present the 7-time champion with a worthy challenger, Hamilton will definitely be able to battle when the possibility comes.
WiIl Mercedes problem Crimson Bull this season?
Though Hamilton has the power to win, there are doubts surrounding Mercedes’s capacity to match Crimson Bull earlier than 2024.
The Brackley-based outfit have an enormous deficit to the reigning champions. Extra considerably, they’re restricted by F1’s value cap and aerodynamic testing laws.
Because of this, ought to Mercedes discover an upturn in tempo, they could be unable so as to add efficiency to their automobile till subsequent season when the restrictions refresh.
For followers dreaming up a battle on the entrance, the crew did handle a victory on the finish of the 2022 season after they discovered a candy spot of their automobile’s setup in Brazil.
There may be potential of a repeat this yr as groups start to show consideration to the 2024 season.
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To seek out out extra about how the primary half of the season performed out, click on right here.
