Mercedes’ early-season struggles “like a ghost was in the car”

In brief

Mercedes’ early-season struggles “like a ghost was in the car” – Hamilton

Hamilton described Mercedes’ early-season struggles to get on top of their W13 car as like having a “ghost” in the car.

Mercedes began the year off the pace of rivals Red Bull and Ferrari but appeared to claw back ground by the Spanish Grand Prix in May. However, the team would continue to struggle to challenge for wins until eventually claiming a one-two victory in Brazil with George Russell, the team’s only win of the season.

“The first big step was Barcelona, that was our first hint of there being more potential in the car,” said Hamilton. “It turned out to be a bit of a false positive; the car was good there but then the races afterwards were difficult. It was like a ghost was in the car and it kept coming back.

“It’s been a very hard year for everyone. For me, it’s been challenging in ways that I wasn’t expecting, but I am incredibly grateful for that. I have felt more growth this year as a man, in terms of internal strength, than I have in many other years.”

Seidl hiring shows Audi are serious – Sainz Snr

Audi Dakar racer Carlos Sainz Snr says Andreas Seidl’s move to Sauber shows “how serious” the manufacturer is about succeeding in F1. Seidl was announced as the new CEO of Sauber, whose team is currently branded by Alfa Romeo and will become the Audi works squad in 2026.

“Seidl is a guarantee for serious work and success, he triumphed with Porsche in Le Mans, he brought McLaren into shape,” Sainz told Speed Week. “Seidl has an excellent network within the group, he brings a lot of experience to his new job, he speaks German, everything fits together. His signing didn’t surprise me and it was logical.”

Edgar joins MP for 2023 FIA F3 season, Van Amersfoort signs Smith

Red Bull junior driver Jonny Edgar will race with MP Motorsport in next season’s FIA Formula 3 championship, the team has announced.

Edgar will compete in his third season in the premier F3 series in 2023, after two campaigns with Carlin and Trident. Edgar missed multiple rounds of this year’s championship for health reasons but still secured 12th place in the championship.

Van Amersfoort have also signed GB3 driver Tommy Smith to race with them in the championship in 2023. Smith finished 19th in the GB3 standings in…