Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have been told they have a ‘duty’ to improve in 2024 by Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali. Hamilton and team-mate George Russell have endured two tough years with the Silver Arrows, seeing Red Bull and Max Verstappen run away with two world titles.
Since Hamilton was cruelly denied the 2021 Championship, Verstappen has eased to two further triumphs with little challenge from Mercedes. The Dutchman had the title wrapped up in early October this year.
Hamilton has been unable to claim a race victory since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Mercedes’ only win of the last two years was Russell’s in Brazil in 2022.
Mercedes insist they will continue trying to close the gap but fear that Red Bull are too far ahead with the development of their car for 2024. Domenicali insists Hamilton, Russell and Toto Wolff have a ‘duty’ to improve and make the sport more competitive.
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The CEO said: ”I really hope for the teams to be under pressure to make sure that they understand that they have a big duty in that.”
Seven-time world champion Hamilton admits he is concerned that Red Bull are so far ahead with the development of their car for 2024. He points out that their dominance in 2024 – winning all but one race – meant that they did not need to continue upgrades on their 2023 vehicle after August.
Instead, Red Bull have been able to focus on developing an even better car for next season. Hamilton is unsure if Verstappen and Co. will be caught in 2024, with the Dutchman the strong favourite to win a fourth-straight title.
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“At this moment, I don’t really know,” Hamilton said after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“Red Bull won by 17 seconds and have not touched the car since August. So, you can pretty much guess where they’re going to be next year. [Red Bull] haven’t even developed their car since August. It’s definitely a concern.”
Hamilton did not seem optimistic about Mercedes’ chances for 2024. He added: “We have learned a lot about the car, and it’s just down to the team now. They know what they need to do. Whether or not we will get there, we will see.”
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