The 2022 Formula One season was undoubtedly a clean slate for the teams, which had the chance to start all over as the new regulations kicked in. And though a few of them made strong progress—yes, we’re looking at Red Bull and Alpine—some registered a strong decline, such as Mercedes and McLaren.

The demise of Mercedes meant a disastrous season for Lewis Hamilton, who failed to win a single race, thus setting a precedent, or rather, leaving a void in his illustrious F1 career. But despite all this, he remains in the running for the championship next year. No driver or boss has ruled the Briton out given his track record and ability, with the recent addition being Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

Charles Leclerc, during the unveiling of the team’s 2023 challenger, as quoted by Sky Sports, said, “Lewis will never be out of the question for a championship fight. I’m pretty sure if he has the car he will be there. We must not forget what he’s achieved in the sport and he still has it, we saw that many times last year.”

“Lewis will be there like Red Bull will be too, and I hope it’s going to be a great fight.”

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Leclerc expects a three-way fight, which we all dreamed of last season as well. But now that we’ve seen Mercedes improving in the right direction, it is a reality within reach. And if we were being greedy and wishful, why not add Alpine or McLaren to the pack as well?

Charles Leclerc on Mercedes’s return

The Silver Arrows headed into 2022 while being eight-time consecutive constructors champions. But everything turned upside down, and things didn’t look good for them until the end stages of the season. However, it is the same improvement that has Leclerc predicting them to be forerunners in the championship.

He said, “As much as we are motivated to win, we know how difficult it will be. Mercedes will also be there too after having a very strong end to the season last year so it’s going to be a difficult championship.”

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Both Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are pegged for a strong return because we all know that Toto Wolff and the team won’t rest until they’re back in front of the grid. The plan, according to the boss, is laid out, and the only thing that now remains is the start of the season.