LEWIS HAMILTON has been told Mercedes are up to 12 MONTHS in development behind rivals Red Bull. The Brackley-based team have struggled to keep pace with reigning constructor champs Red Bull across the last two seasons. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have secured one-two finishes in the opening two races of the season. “[Red Bull’s] gains are going to be incrementally smaller if their concept is mature. This time scale comes with Hamilton’s Mercedes contract up at the end of the season. Hamilton will be hoping for better fortunes when the lights go out for the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

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