Red Bull’s dominance in 2023 has been evident for fans to see throughout the 2023 season, with the team winning every race this season. The fans have even been robbed of a title battle, with Max Verstappen being 125 points ahead of Sergio Perez in the championship.
Lewis Hamilton recently criticized this dominance, elaborating on the possible ramifications in terms of viewership and outreach. However, his statements on such matters will probably be tainted with an element of hypocrisy.
Hamilton opposes long-term team dominance
Lewis Hamilton recently criticized the dominance Red Bull has been enjoying this season, sharing an opinion that states predictable racing does not result in the level of entertainment demanded by and owed to fans of Formula 1.
If Max Verstappen wins EVERY race up until Abu Dhabi 2025
He will overtake Lewis Hamilton's win record of 103 wins by 1 winAnd become a 5-time world champion with 104 race wins šš pic.twitter.com/Tn7nDr52fU
— Stormy (@UhStormy__) August 16, 2023
However, Hamilton perhaps may not be the best-suited spokesperson in this regard, given that between 2014 and 2021, Lewis and Mercedes enjoyed an 8-year-long team dominance during which the team was seemingly “untouchable.” Aware of the criticism that may be thrown his way in this manner, the 7-time world champion acknowledges this and defends his stance regardless, by saying:
“If we continue like this, maybe Ferrari will dominate in the next few years, or maybe McLaren will, or maybe Mercedes will get back in front, but I think this is not the best thing for the fans.Ā We shouldnāt have the chance to dominate for a large number of years, the battle for the top positions should be closer. Unfortunately, however, Red Bull could seriously dominate even in the next three seasons.ā
Still, the argument that “Mercedes and Lewis are one to talk” is not unsubstantiated.
How many F1 world championships does Lewis Hamilton have?
Between 2014 and 2021, Mercedes were seemingly reserved to occupy the front row. Over the course of these 8 long years, Lewis managed to bag 6 drivers’ championships. His first championship was in 2008, with Mclaren.
While fans at least saw some (although, negligible) variation in terms of the drivers’ championship because of Nico Rosberg in 2016 and Max in 2021, Mercedes was the undisputed champion for a record-breaking 8 years.
That’s why it is understandable that Lewis’ statement has invited criticism, even from Max! When Lewis suggested implementation of a rule delaying permissibility to begin development of the succeeding year’s challenger, Max responded by saying that life is unfair, and not just in F1.
Do you think Lewis and Mercedes can bite back in 2024 amidst claims of strong development from Red Bull? Can anyone take the fight to the top and restore the sport to the short-lived glory it found in 2021? Comment what you think down below!
