Seven-times System One world champion Lewis Hamilton steered rivals Crimson Bull could possibly be forward of the remainder of the sector for years to return after his Mercedes crew suffered their worst efficiency in additional than a yr on Sunday.

The Briton, who’s an honorary Brazilian citizen, completed eighth within the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with crew mate George Russell retiring.

Staff principal Toto Wolff mentioned Mercedes’ worst displaying because the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, the place Hamilton and Russell completed ninth and 14th respectively, was ‘unacceptable’.

“We’re shedding a lot time on the straights, there’s nothing I can do about it, after which we’re simply sliding via the corners,” Hamilton advised reporters at Interlagos.

Mercedes gained in Brazil with Russell final yr, Hamilton ending second, however no person might beat Crimson Bull and Max Verstappen this yr.

The Dutch driver has dominated the season, taking a record-extending seventeenth win on Sunday after securing his third world title final month in Qatar with six grands prix and two dash races to spare.

“The Crimson Bull is so far-off, I believe they’re most likely going to be very clear for the following couple of years,” mentioned Hamilton, who indicated he was counting down the times to be freed from this season’s automobile.

System One’s subsequent main rule change isn’t till 2026.

Hamilton is combating Crimson Bull’s Sergio Perez for second place total, however the Mexican outscored him in Sao Paulo and now leads by 32 factors with two races remaining.

Wolff mentioned the Brazil race confirmed Mercedes needed to make elementary adjustments for subsequent yr.

“Completely baffling,” he mentioned of Sunday’ displaying. “We’re a correct construction, stable crew, and that did not appear to be a stable crew.”

Hamilton mentioned that finally all he might do was attempt to stay optimistic, however his boss voiced a distinct stance.

“In 13 years I’ve by no means felt optimistic or assured, but it surely’s perhaps extra my drawback and my mind,” mentioned Wolff, whose crew gained eight consecutive constructors’ championships between 2014 and 2021.

“What we all know is that we’re altering the automobile fully.”

Crimson Bull boss Christian Horner steered McLaren, who had Lando Norris end second in Brazil and use Mercedes engines, could possibly be contenders subsequent season.

“It has been completely different folks at completely different instances through the yr, so I believe we simply preserve specializing in ourselves and whoever’s behind us on the timesheet is sort of irrelevant,” he mentioned.

“So long as we’re on the high of it, that is what we’re targeted on.”