05/04/2022
During an unprecedented eight-year streak of Formula 1 titles, Mercedes crushed their competition and were scarcely not in contention for a victory in any of the 160 races from 2014 through to the end of the 2021.
While a new era of F1 for 2022 brought much-changed cars and rules, it was that dominance which made them the clear favourites for this year.
But the two thrilling races to start the new season have had a notable, almost unthinkable, silver absentee from the front, while Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have already endured a humiliating Q1 exit in qualifying and already admit they are "a long way off" rivals Ferrari and Red Bull.
Mercedes are well and truly on the back foot heading into the Australian GP, and Sky Sports F1's Anthony Davidson has given his insight on their issues so far, drivers' concerns, and whether there is a quick fix...
Mercedes' George Russell says the team are making progress, but admits they still have a long way to go catch up with their rivals
"The car isn't as good as the Red Bull and the Ferrari, it's in no-mans land," says Davidson. "It hovers in the grey area where you can't challenge the front but you're certainly faster than the midfield behind you.
"I do expect them to make gains... but it will take time, it's not a quick fix.
"And we shouldn't expect a quick fix, from Bahrain to Jeddah. There was hardly any time in between and it was basically exactly the same car that they took there."
Mercedes themselves say they are trying to maximise points until they are back in contention for race wins and pole positions.
Given their expertise and history of working things out - take last year when they overhauled Red Bull - there won't be major panic just yet. But the worry will be, once they do unlock the car's potential, just how far ahead will Ferrari and Red Bull be? And will they be able to catch up?
