Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have been set a clear target by Mercedes with three races to go. The Silver Arrows confirmed they were still hoping to secure a victory before the end of the season after struggling in 2022.
Mercedes have failed to win a race since last season’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after lacking pace compared to Red Bull and Ferrari. Hamilton’s 15-year record of standing on the top step of the podium at least once in every season he has competed in F1 is also under threat.
Mercedes looked closer to the pace in Austin after bringing new updates but was still unable to match two-time champion Max Verstappen. He said: “A lot of hard work has gone into bringing this kit to the car and the pace is getting better with every update so we can take some satisfaction from the fact that every step takes us closer to where we want to be.
“We’d had tough races in Singapore and Suzuka, so it’s been good to see stronger performance here and we are still hoping to get that first win before the season is out, so we’ll be working very hard over the next few days to prepare for Mexico.” Hamilton was promoted to the lead in Austin after Red Bull botched Verstappen’s final pit stop.
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Hamilton’s P2 in America was the seven-time champion’s first since July after struggling for form. Wolff praised the team’s new upgrade package after qualifying on Saturday and again after the Grand Prix.
The team brought an updated floor and redesigned rear wing which Wolff claims has had an impact on pace. Wolff added: “No doubt, Red Bull are still ahead of us, but I think we’re getting closer to them and Ferrari – and that’s a positive outcome for us.
“We brought an upgrade to Austin and we’ve seen that reflected in terms of car performance.”
