LEWIS HAMILTON says Mercedes will never copy Red Bull… despite many other Formula 1 teams doing so.
The Silver Arrows launched their new W14 car this week.
Hamilton’s new motor features a return to the sleek black livery sported in the 2020 and 2021 seasons – while focusing on being lighter and more aerodynamic.
Toto Wolff and Co have avoided going down the route of making their car more like Red Bull’s high performing RB18 – with Hamilton proud of Merc’s own creativity and innovation.
Amid the likes of McLaren taking inspiration from Red Bull’s sidepods – Hamilton said: “Of course you can see that some of the cars are approaching what a Red Bull might look like, perhaps with the exception of Ferrari.
“I don’t think we’ve ever been a team that copied other people.
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“We’ve always had our own mind and have always been a team that’s incredibly creative and innovative and likes to do it our way.
“And I think that’s worked in the past.”
After Mercedes’ encouraging finish to last season, fans will be excited to see Hamilton and team-mate George Russell back in action in Bahrain on March 5.
Speaking at the launch of the W14, team principal Wolff said: “Last year was difficult but it came with lots of learnings.
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“I hope 2023 will be proof that we have understood how to unravel the problems and improve the package of the car.”
He then continued: “W13 certainly had performance which we never were able to unlock and put all its downforce on the ground.
“Our car performed very well at the end of the season.
“However, we still had the famous bouncing at some circuits and the car never gave the drivers good feedback, which limited them in being able to really push.
“We have tried to keep all the goodness of the W13 and address its weaknesses.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
