Helmut Marko believes that Lewis Hamilton will return to the top step of the podium in 2023, following his first winless season. Red Bull claimed their first championship 'double' since the 2013 season, ending Mercedes' run of Constructors' Championships in the process. Ferrari's battle against Red Bull fizzled out midway through the season, with Mercedes recovering from a poor start to challenge for P2 in the Constructors' standings. It led many to believe Mercedes could continue their recovery and stake a claim for the 2023 championships. When asked by SportBild if he believed Mercedes or Ferrari would be the stronger opponents in 2023, Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Marko pointed towards the Silver Arrows, due to the presence of seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton. "Ferrari is strong, but Mercedes will be stronger in the overall package. Especially with a driver like Lewis Hamilton. He's still a top driver," commented Marko. "True, Ferrari also has a very good driver in Leclerc, but he still makes mistakes."
Marko: Wind tunnel time will help Mercedes
Despite the late charge from Mercedes, it wasn't enough to prevent Hamilton from losing his record of winning a Grand Prix in every F1 season he's participated in. With Hamilton's last victory coming in Saudi Arabia 2021, Marko was asked if he believed the Briton could remain winless in 2023: "I'm afraid not. Mercedes has fought its way up to us over the year," he responded. "They're not on a par with us yet, but they have more wind tunnel time to develop the car. "I'm not too worried, though. We're on a good track for 2023 and, with Max, we have the best driver in the field."
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