Two-time Formula 1 champion Mika Hakkinen believes the past two seasons have “left a mark” on Mercedes and it must “develop that unconditional will to win again”.
Mercedes trounced the competition upon F1’s switch to V6 turbo-hybrid engines in 2024, storming to an unprecedented eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships.
However, the squad has struggled since the regulations were overhauled in 2022, enduring its first winless season since 2011 last term as Red Bull’s dominance continued.
As it bids to get on top of the latest ground effect cars, the German marque is prioritising a revamped concept on its W15 challenger, to be unveiled on 14 February.
When asked to provide his thoughts on Mercedes’ chances heading into 2024, Hakkinen told BILD: “There has not been a question mark over the team for a long time.
“But after a decade full of success, the past two seasons have left their mark on the people in charge and the employees.
“And that’s good. They have to be angry now and develop that unconditional will to win again.
“The team has to develop that old blind understanding again, which is currently missing.”
Despite defeating Lewis Hamilton in his debut year at Mercedes, George Russell endured an onerous 2023 that he termed as “one of the worst seasons of my career”.
But with the seven-time champion outscoring his less experienced partner by 59 points last season, Hakkinen asserts Hamilton remains the de facto team leader.
“It is clear that it is still Lewis’ team, even though George is entering his third season with Mercedes,” he underlined.
When it was pointed out Russell had beaten Hamilton previously in equal machinery, Hakkinen retorted: “That’s correct, but last season Hamilton finished third and Russell only eighth. That didn’t surprise me.
“On the one hand, Lewis wanted to show everyone that he still has it, while on the other hand George was and continues to be under immense pressure.
“When you’re the team-mate of a seven-time world champion, all eyes are automatically on you. It doesn’t matter if you finished on the podium if your team-mate won.
“It’s the same with all teams, but different for George as he is racing against a record champion.”
The challenge ahead of Mercedes in returning to title contention is catching a Red Bull team that obliterated the record books last season with 21 victories from 22 races.
Hakkinen, however, believes that the Austrian outfit’s rivals shouldn’t give up hope as “the history of Formula 1” demonstrates unrivalled supremacy doesn’t last forever.
“How often have there been teams and drivers who were considered certain World Champions even before the first lap of testing was completed and then it didn’t happen?” he added.
Max Verstappen utilised the advantage the all-conquering RB19 car had over the rest to notch 19 wins on his way to becoming a three-time consecutive World Champion.
Hakkinen is convinced the Dutchman, who sits third on the all-time F1 wins list, can match the seven championships shared by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
“He still needs the right team boss, the right car, pit crew, management – everything has to be right,” he cautioned. “That was the case with Lewis and Michael. That’s why they were able to shape an era.”
Meanwhile, Hakkinen is optimistic about McLaren’s prospects, with his former team producing a remarkable turnaround to become a regular podium scorer in 2023.
“I expect a lot from McLaren, he assessed. “After a disastrous start to the season last year, they developed very well and, above all, consistently.
“With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, they probably have the strongest driver pairing next to Ferrari.”
While the Finn denies McLaren’s current line-up has surpassed his partnership with David Coulthard, he reckons Norris and Piastri “have the potential to become champions”.
“Piastri is putting pressure on Norris and Verstappen will also feel that this year,” he concluded.
