Mercedes must watch out: 'The clock is ticking'

Mercedes was used to fighting for the world title since 2014, but this year is different. Indeed, at the German racing stable, there are major concerns about the coming months. However, according to Gary Anderson, there is no man overboard yet, he writes for The Race.

Whereas Lewis Hamilton was in full contention for the world title with Max Verstappen last season, he had to settle for a tenth place finish at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion didn't even know he was getting a point for achieving that spot.

The German formation is doing everything possible behind the scenes to catch up with Ferrari and Red Bull Racing, who for the time being are jointly fighting for the podium places. However, this does not appear to be an easy task at all. It is not only because of the engines that Mercedes is losing time on the competition.

Anderson claims that Mercedes made a miscalculation with the side pods. The journalist does not exclude that the team will still solve this. "All is not lost – yet – but the first thing you have to do as a team is identify the source of the problem," Anderson argues. "If you can do that then you can rectify it. But the clock is ticking."