Hakkinen: Mercedes seems to have no answer

After their drubbing by Max Verstappen at Red Bull Ring last Sunday, Mercedes are on the ropes as Lewis Hamilton is finding the quest for an eighth F1 drivers' title to be his toughest challenge.

Analysing the Styrian Grand Prix for his Unibet column, Hakkinen said: "While Mercedes is focusing on the development of their 2022 car, the decision by Red Bull and Honda to put everything into this year’s programme has given them a really big step forward in their performance.

"At the moment Mercedes seems to have no answer to this, and with only four days between the Styrian and Austrian Grand Prix, there is no reason to believe they can find a solution in time," said Hakkinen.

After the first weekend at red Bull Ring, Verstappen has four wins to his name after eight races, with Hamilton on three. The Dutchman leads the championship standings for the first time, with an 18 point lead ahead of Round 9 at the Spielberg venue this Sunday.

Hakkinen,who was a double Formula 1 World Champion in a Mercedes powered McLaren, continued: "The way in which Max Verstappen controlled the race and took a comfortable win over Lewis Hamilton showed just how strongly the Red Bull-Honda package has developed this year.

"I think they have done an incredible job, and Max is taking full advantage of it. Red Bull Racing has won the last four Grand Prix, a really fantastic performance and the kind of competition Mercedes has not experienced since 2013.

"Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the teams have carried over their cars to this year, specifically the chassis, so many people expected Mercedes would dominate again.

"What we have seen is that Red Bull and Honda have put everything into this season. A new engine and an aerodynamic package that takes advantage of the change in regulations introduced this year. That change has suited Red Bull’s design philosophy and worked against Mercedes.

"In Austria, both Lewis and teammate Valtteri Bottas said that the Red Bulls were two-tenths of a second quicker per lap, and noticeably faster on the straights, a really significant advantage on such a short circuit. In the race Max was able to open up an early lead and control all the strategy options from the front.

"I used to love that kind of race because, while it is fun to race wheel-to-wheel, being in control and knowing that you have a fantastic car under you is such a nice feeling. Max seems to be really enjoying it!"

The F1 circus tents remain pitched in the Spielberg hills for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix where a repeat performance is a high probability for the Bulls on their home track.

"Another win for Max next Sunday seems entirely likely," predicts Hakkinen."Mercedes can console themselves with podium finishes, that is not really the objective for drivers like Lewis, Valtteri and team boss Toto Wolff.

"They will need to find some solutions soon if this World Championship is not to get away from them during July and August," warned the Finn.