2022 was a difficult year for Mercedes which many people referred to as a ‘fall from grace’. The Brackley-based outfit dominated the sport for the previous eight years, winning all the constructors’ championships between 2014 and 2021. The only Title they failed to secure was the drivers’ title in 2021 which went in favor of Max Verstappen.
The regulation changes of 2022, however, hit Mercedes very hard. Red Bull and Ferrari overtook them in terms of performance and the Silver Arrows finished P3 in the championship. On top of that, it was the first time Lewis Hamilton failed to win an F1 race in a calendar year.
There were positives for the team in 2022, with George Russell shining in his first year for Mercedes. He also surprised plenty of people by finishing ahead of Hamilton, which not many foresaw.
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When will Mercedes release their 2023 F1 car?
Earlier this month, Mercedes announced that they will reveal the W14 to the world on the 15th of February 2023. They launch their car just a day after record Champions Ferrari, who have their event scheduled for Valentines Day.
Hamilton, Russell and the entire team will be hoping that the W14 is much better than the W13. In fact, towards the end of the 2o22 season, Hamilton admitted that he is glad that he never has to drive the W13 ever again.
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Toto Wolff wants fans to be realistic about 2023
After a slump in 2022, Mercedes fans are expecting the team to bounce back with vengeance in 2023. Pundits and most fans are sure that they will be back at the front of the grid once again, fighting alongside Red Bull and Ferrari for the world championship.
Team principal Toto Wolff, however, wants them to be realistic about their chances next season.
“We have no doubt, when you are starting behind by half a second, it’s going to be difficult to catch up to great organizations like Red Bull and Ferrari,” he said. “If we perform in the way we hope, then we’d like to be part of the racing at the very front. I think that would be a starting point, but we don’t take that for granted.”
