Mercedes have released an open letter to fans after a disappointing start to the season

After yet another poor start to the season, Mercedes have written an open letter to their fans.

The 2022 season was one to forget for the Silver Arrows as they came third in the constructor’s championship behind Ferrari and Red Bull.

Heading into the 2023 campaign, there was renewed optimism that Mercedes would be able to close the gap.

However, last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix proved otherwise. Lewis Hamilton finished fifth whilst George Russell came seventh, they were way off the likes of Red Bull, Ferrari and even Aston Martin.

Now, on the back of the disappointing start, Mercedes have written a letter to fans.

It said: “Bahrain hurt. It hurt each one of us, who head into every season determined to fight for world championships. It hurt the team as a whole, after pouring so much hard work into a car that hasn't met our expectations.

“The situation we face right now isn't the one that any of us wanted - but it's the one we have. That's the reality of it. And the simple questions are: what can we do about it, and what will we do about it?

“We won't panic or make knee-jerk reactions. In a spotlight as fierce as F1, people are quick to point fingers, or look for scapegoats. But you know us better than that. Inside the team, we talk about having the courage to fail, the character to be accountable and the strength to see failure as an opportunity.

“We have been open and searingly honest about where we find ourselves. And we are working urgently and calmly to build our recovery plan, focusing on what needs to happen short term, medium term, and long term to win. We already have developments in the pipeline for the next races - and there will be more to come. But this won't be the work of a moment; there are no silver bullets in F1.”

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The letter continued: “We will keep our heads held high - and take this journey step by step, together. We are Mercedes. We know the standards we aspire to, and nobody is flinching when we look at the mountain we must climb. It won't be easy - but where's the value in something easy?

“These are the times when character is forged; the times when a team becomes greater than the sum of its parts, tackling difficult problems and conquering them. We're together through thick and thin - from Toto, Lewis and George, to every single woman and man in the factories in Brackley and Brixworth. And we love that challenge.” Read the full letter on Mercedes' official website.

As a result of their poor start, Hamilton’s future with the team has been plunged into darkness as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Formula 1 will return next weekend with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.