Mercedes Reach Out To Fans After Disappointing Season Start

Mercedes have addressed their fans after their less-than-ideal start to the 2023 season with the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Brackley-based squad had set its sights on closing the gap with Red Bull this year, but their hopes were dashed in Bahrain. The difference in qualifying was as much as six tenths, and in the Grand Prix, it was a full second per lap. To address the situation, the German racing team issued an open letter to its fans.

We’re together through thick and thin – from Toto, Lewis and George, to every single woman and man in the factories in Brackley and Brixworth. And we love the challenge. 💪

We have a message for you, Team ❤️👇
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 11, 2023

Having accepted the reality of their situation, Mercedes has already shifted its focus away from the 2023 World Championship. This year is likely to be a transitional phase as the Brackley-based team contemplates abandoning the W14 concept and embarking on a new car development project. While no decision has been made yet, the chatter within the team suggests that this is a strong possibility.

Regrettably, fans can expect another lackluster year ahead, as Mercedes works to regroup and regain its footing. The team wrote to their website:

"Bahrain hurt. It hurt each one of us, who head into every season determined to fight for world championships. It hurt the team as a whole, after pouring so much hard work into a car that hasn’t met our expectations. And we know it hurt you, our fans, too. Your passion and support are so important in driving us forward – and we know that we feel the same pain.

"The situation we face right now isn’t the one that any of us wanted – but it’s the one we have. That’s the reality of it. And the simple questions are: what can we do about it, and what will we do about it?"

The team added:

"First, we won’t panic or make knee-jerk reactions. In a spotlight as fierce as F1, people are quick to point fingers, or look for scapegoats. But you know us better than that. Inside the team, we talk about having the courage to fail, the character to be accountable and the strength to see failure as an opportunity. We have been open and searingly honest about where we find ourselves. And we are working urgently and calmly to build our recovery plan."

The Mercedes team goes on to add that there is a right and wrong way to offer criticism or support and that they want their online community to be a safe space. The letter continues to read:

"Whether you’re offering criticism or support, there’s a right way to do it – and a wrong way. We want our online community to be a safe space full of healthy debate, where people treat others and are treated with respect – be they team members, Mercedes fans or rival fans."

"Are you ready to join us for the fight back? If not, then there are no hard feelings. If yes, then let’s do this."