The entire allure of Formula 1 is the spectacle it provides the fans with. The pinnacle of motorsport with the best cars and drivers. Cutthroat competition and the drama that decides the fate of the championship every year. This is what is pitched to the fans every year. However, ever since Red Bull picked up the mantle from Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, the final product has been fatally different.

Ever since last year, the Bulls have been running away with all the accolades. Even this year, for many fans, the championship is already a foregone conclusion as Max Verstappen guns for his third consecutive F1 title. But it would appear that given their respective championship pedigrees, between Ferrari and Mercedes, only one team has what it takes to take the fight right back up to Red Bull.

Mercedes & Lewis Hamilton called out, as enough is enough

When Mercedes were at their peak, they were dominating. But the inter-team rivalry was also an aspect that added to the allure of their dynasty. Ferrari, on the other hand, have never really been in a dogfight. This has prompted a heartfelt plea to be delivered to the doorstep of the Silver Arrows.

In a recent episode of the Late Braking F1 podcast, the hosts said, “It would’ve been interesting had they not had the red flag,” while discussing the chaotic Australian GP where the first inklings of a Mercedes comeback emerged.

They then went on to propose, “So, yeah. Mercedes, please, please get your act together for the sake of a championship battle. Because, Ferrari aren’t even there. So, Mercedes, please come back!”

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But while the whole F1 community pins their hopes on Mercedes, where does the Brackley-based team rank themselves?

Toto Wolff gives clarity as to Mercedes’ 2023 championship hopes

In 2023 we’ve learned where Mercedes are at. They clearly aren’t championship contenders, but the pace the W14 has left to be unlocked sprays a ray of hope for F1 fans. Back in 2022, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff tried to explain their planned trajectory for 2023.

He was quoted by RacingNews365.com as saying, “If we were to continue our understanding and development of the car, I think we can catch up quickly. And this is a ‘learning on the job’ exercise at the moment. Our simulations don’t always give us the right results, to what the car is going to do on track, but that’s what makes it interesting.”

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Can Mercedes catch Red Bull before the curtains fall on the 2023 season?