OPINION | Lewis in Red? Mercedes' struggles could ignite a shock switch to Ferrari for Hamilton

"It's really about accountability. It's about owning up and saying, 'yeah, you know what, we didn't listen to you, it's not where it needs to be, and we've got to work'."

This is one of many strong statements made by the seven-time Formula 1 champion and current Mercedes-AMG driver Lewis Hamilton on the state of affairs at the German team.

Coming off a terrible 2022 season, in which the team secured only one race victory won by George Russell in Brazil, the hope was there that they would turn the tide this year.

However, the hope amounted to nothing as the team fell even further down the order and, after the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, are the fourth-quickest outfit behind Red Bull, Aston Martin, and Ferrari.

On a modest calculation, it seems that Mercedes-AMG are around two seconds off Red Bull's dominant pace.

For his part, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko isn't convinced Mercedes will get anywhere near the front of the grid in 2023.

"It's not one problem, it's several problems," Marko, 79, told the German broadcaster ntv.

"The solution didn't come over the winter, either, which I'm rather surprised about.

"You are simply limited in your options now. You can't design two or three cars in a year. Even if a completely new car comes now, then it will be difficult afterwards because of the financial limitations.

"In this respect, I think it's realistic to say the world title is out of reach for Mercedes."

Options are limited

It's a tough situation for the Silver Arrows, and they need to find a light at the end of the tunnel they find themselves in. But worryingly for team boss Toto Wolff and co., Hamilton will likely call time on his Mercedes stint if things don't improve.

The thing with Hamilton is that he wants to win. Love