Mercedes are in France on the Paul Ricard circuit to check Pirelli’s new tyre compounds forward of the 2023 Formulation One season; the check sees Lewis Hamilton and George Russell again within the W13 that precipitated issues within the 2022 season; the W14 launches on February 15
Final Up to date: 02/02/23 5:34pm
Hamilton has been again within the W13 as Mercedes check out Pirelli’s new tyres for the 2023 season
Lewis Hamilton has returned to the observe for the primary time in 2023 forward of the brand new Formulation One season.
Hamilton and George Russell joined up with their Mercedes staff for the primary time this yr on the Paul Ricard circuit in France for a check of Pirelli’s tyre compounds for the brand new season, Russell taking to the observe on Wednesday earlier than Hamilton had his probability on Thursday.
The check noticed each drivers again within the W13 automotive which precipitated main issues for the pair all through the season, with seven-time world champion Hamilton unable to register a single victory as he handled vital velocity and porpoising points.
Will probably be the penultimate time that Hamilton has to drive the W13, with Mercedes revealing a February 15 launch date for the automotive they hope will propel them again to title-winning methods.
The Silver Arrows, whose historic streak of eight straight constructors’ championships was ended final yr, will reveal their new W14 automotive on-line whereas there may also be interviews with Hamilton and Russell.
The staff say they’re going “all in” in 2023 and Hamilton will probably be hoping the W14 is the automotive that may get him again to successful methods and on target for a file eighth title.
As he struggled to become familiar with the automotive, Hamilton was outscored by Russell on a formidable debut season together with his new staff, securing a maiden Grand Prix victory in Sao Paulo and turning into solely the third team-mate of Hamilton’s to complete above him within the championship.
Nonetheless, Hamilton’s former team-mate, Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas, who by no means managed to outscore him in his time at Mercedes, believes that such a end result may be put all the way down to the equipment fairly than Hamilton’s driving.
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Valtteri Bottas talks about his opinion of earlier Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton throughout final season and Craig Slater covers the dialogue round Alfa Romeo’s future.
“I believe it was an low season, little doubt. They struggled with the automotive massively to start with,” stated Bottas.
“Even we generally outqualified them and it did not appear that Lewis was comfy within the first half (of the season) and positively appeared to be faster within the second half, however let’s have a look at.”
Mercedes aren’t the one staff who has been again out on observe, with Oscar Piastri getting his first correct style in a McLaren in Barcelona.