There can be no illusions for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes as to where they stand in Formula One’s pecking order despite returning their best finish of the season at Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix. Melbourne was their first celebratory moment thus far, but that they revelled in a second place is indicative of the mountain they have to climb. For a team that has dominated F1 for so long this is perhaps their greatest challenge yet.
Hamilton is no stranger to battling with an uncompetitive car, but the team this season will truly test their mettle. On a roll of eight constructors’ championships in a row between 2014 and 2021, confidence and control went hand in hand with a calm sense of direction. All of which is easier to maintain with a winning car.
