Lewis Hamilton acknowledges that the ongoing struggles of the Mercedes Formula 1 team are a result of inadequate work done at the beginning of the ground effect era.
Mercedes entered the latest F1 regulations as the dominant team, having achieved an unprecedented eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021.
However, the German team has failed to replicate that success, with Red Bull now taking the lead in the sport.
Despite making changes to the car concept and abandoning the unsuccessful ‘zeropod’ solution in the W15, Mercedes had its worst start to a season since 2011.
Hamilton revealed that Mercedes had to remove 90 points of downforce in 2022 to address instability issues, highlighting the team’s failure to establish a solid foundation.
When asked if Mercedes had identified the reasons for their struggles with the current regulations, Hamilton replied: “We haven’t figured it out yet, it’s not over.
“But in this sport, naturally it’s challenging.
“If you start off on the right foot, with a solid foundation, you can keep building on that. That’s what we experienced in previous years.
“However, with this generation of cars, we started with an unstable base. We had to rebuild and make changes, sometimes losing our way and then finding it again. It’s a very complex process.”
Hamilton praised the united spirit and principles that Mercedes still upholds, despite their continued decline extending into a third consecutive season.
“I’ve been with the team for a long time, so I’m already very familiar with the team’s details, so I wouldn’t say I’ve gained any new knowledge during this period,” said the British driver.
“The team showed remarkable resilience. There are people here who have been part of the team for over 20 years, enduring both the good and the bad times.
“There are also those who joined during our successful period and only experienced the good times the team had, but are now facing the challenges.
“What really sets this team apart are our exceptional core values. The team continues to make its presence felt not only on the track, but off it as well.
“Of course, we are not achieving the victories we seek, but it’s not always about the end result, it’s about the journey, right? And we are all in this together.”
Hamilton believes that the respective returns of Aston Martin and McLaren last season prove that Mercedes should not give up on returning to the front.
“I think it’s a matter of perspective,” added the seven-time champion. “For us, of course, we didn’t have the start to the season we wanted, and we have a long way to go.
“We’ve seen in the past – like last year, for example – how things can change for certain teams. Look at Aston Martin or McLaren, who started off on the wrong foot or vice versa.
“So, anything can happen in this sport. We just need to absorb as much information as we can, maintain a positive attitude, work hard, and as I always say, it’s not about how you fall, but how you get back up. We will continue to strive and fight, hoping to be at the forefront at some point.”
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is back in the Portuguese national team for the 2026 World Cup. After a brief hiatus, Ronaldo decided to return to the national team to compete in the biggest soccer tournament in the world. The news was received with enthusiasm by soccer fans in Portugal, who are eager to see their idol in action again.
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Manchester United, is considered one of the greatest players of all time. With his exceptional skill and goal-scoring ability, he is a valuable addition to the Portuguese team. His presence on the field will surely bring a boost of confidence to his teammates and increase Portugal’s chances of performing impressively in the tournament.
In addition to Ronaldo, Portugal also boasts a talented team, including players like Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Diogo Jota. Together, they form a formidable group that promises to give their opponents a tough time. Under the leadership of coach Fernando Santos, the Portuguese national team is determined to win the World Cup title in 2026.
Portuguese fans are optimistic about their team’s chances. They believe that the combination of talent, experience, and determination of the team will put them in a favorable position to compete against the best teams in the world. With Ronaldo leading the attack, Portugal has every chance of going far in the tournament and even lifting the coveted trophy.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be an exciting event for football fans worldwide. With the participation of renowned players like Cristiano Ronaldo, the competition will be fierce and full of memorable moments. Portuguese fans are eager to see their team in action and will fervently support their national team throughout the tournament.
Portugal is ready to face the challenges that the 2026 World Cup will bring. With a talented team and one of the best players in the world on their roster, they have all the chances to achieve success. Fans are confident that their selection will make history and leave a lasting mark on this tournament. The countdown to the World Cup has already begun and expectations are high. It will be an exciting competition and Portugal is ready to shine.
