Haug firmly believes in Mercedes: 'They will pursue that without compromise'

After spending almost a full season troubleshooting with the W13, Mercedes is likely to have a slightly better start in 2023 than the year before. Norbert Haug, the team's former boss, even believes the squad will challenge Red Bull Racing for both world titles.

Haug does not so much expect a difficult start for his old team in the 2023 Formula 1 season. Rather, he sees start-up problems for Ferrari under Fred Vasseur's new management. "Mercedes will not start 2023 as badly as 2022, which will not make it easier for Ferrari under new management," Haug said in conversation with RND.

Haug firmly believes in Mercedes comeback

The 70-year-old German, who served as head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport for more than 23 years, believes the F1 team will come back strong after a difficult year and will be ruthless in the hunt for both world titles under the leadership of Toto Wolff.

"I am sure Mercedes will challenge Red Bull Racing in the new season and aim to bring back both the drivers' and constructors' titles. The silver arrows will pursue this goal methodically and without compromise," he says. Moreover, Haug thinks the pain of experience in 2022 will only motivate the team.

"And for those who think Lewis Hamilton is finished, in next year's columns I am happy to describe how things turned out very differently. George Russell is an absolutely top driver - the best conditions in the record-breaking world championship team for both to spur each other on to top performance," he concludes.