F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Snubs Mercedes W14- "This Car Isn't Right"

Lewis Hamilton isn't happy with the W14 after a poor 2023 season opener from the 7-time world champion.

Mercedes was expected to come out swinging this 2023 season after battling with an uncompetitive W13 for the majority of last year. However, it appears the not-so-Silver Arrows made a colossal blunder by doubling the same concept that caused them so many issues last season while the likes of Red Bull and Aston Martin doubled down on what worked. Lewis Hamilton has now snubbed the W14 after a poor season opener.

Despite believing they could stick with the zero-pod approach and fix the issues over the winter without having to overhaul their concept, Mercedes has already admitted to their mistake, with team chief Toto Wolff admitting that the car can be thrown in the trash.

At the same time, however, Aston Martin chose to adopt Red Bull's design and have massively outperformed Mercedes so far this season, despite having the exact same power unit as the Brackley-based team.

In the season opener in Bahrain, Mercedes could only manage a P5 and P7 finish from Lewis Hamilton and George Russell respectively, and even Charles Leclerc's retirement from the race couldn't save them from embarrassment. The team even recently issued an apology statement to their fans for their poor performance.

Lewis Hamilton, after complaining that his team didn't follow his advice on the car, he's admitted that he doesn't want to say too much, but wants to continue motivating the team.

“I wouldn't say I'm concerned. There's not much I can say. I don't want to say too much,” he said.

“We need to keep working hard. We know we're not where we should be, and we know this car isn't right.

"It's a complex situation, but I need to stay optimistic. I have to keep my spirits up and motivate my teammates, and secure the best possible points in every race.”

Hamilton's contract with Mercedes expires at the end of this season, and although he denies any suggestions of leaving the team due to their underperformance, rumours of him potentially moving to Ferrari have thrived.