Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix as “one of our worst days in racing” as the W14’s deficiencies were exposed.
Mercedes was braced for a tricky start to the 2023 season and such expectations were realised during Sunday’s race in Bahrain.
Both Mercedes drivers were passed by Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin while George Russell dropped behind Lance Stroll.
Hamilton classified in fifth spot, with Russell seventh, as both finished over 50 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen.
“That was one of our worst days in racing,” said Wolff.
“It was not good at all; we are lacking pace front, right, and centre. The Aston Martins are very fast, and the Red Bull is just on a different planet.
“It hurts that they are so far ahead; it reminds me of our best years where we put one second on everyone else. That is the benchmark.
“We need to put one foot in front of the other to come back but nobody in this team will throw in the towel. We need to dig deep, deeper than we ever have done before. And we can do that.”
Mercedes occupies third place in the Constructors’ Championship.
