The Mercedes showed signs of improvement throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season, achieving more podium finishes despite still not having any victories with two rounds to go. However, it also continues to show some inconsistency in performance and the much below expected performance in the São Paulo GP was proof of that.
Ralf Schumacher told Sky F1 that the Silver Star team may not be understanding the concept of their car: ‘Mercedes had a very weak weekend. Toto Wolff [executive director and team principal] was almost shocked after the race in his interview with Sky. The problems can be explained by the fact that Mercedes does not understand the concept of the car. There was more hope for a good race in Brazil, but the disappointment of everyone involved was evident. That’s why I fear that Mercedes is still not out of danger.’
In Interlagos, Lewis Hamilton had a race from front to back, finishing in a modest eighth place – matching his worst result of the year among the races he completed. George Russell, on the other hand, did not finish due to problems with the car.
