Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes need ‘rest of the year’ to catch Red Bull

Lewis Hamilton arrives at Albert Park in Melbourne, where he is playing down the chances of a rapid Mercedes revival. Photograph: Joel Carrett/EPA

Lewis Hamilton has conceded it may take Mercedes the entirety of the 2023 Formula One season to close the gap to frontrunners Red Bull, all but writing off his team’s chances of even competing for a win.

The seven-time champion was blunt in admitting how far off the pace his team are and, despite an expected change in the design of the Mercedes car, did not anticipate catching Red Bull.