Four races into the 2018 Formula 1 season and Lewis Hamilton has not scored a single point. In fact, his Mercedes team only has a paltry 12 on the board, thanks to a fifth and a 10th from Valtteri Bottas, who was excluded from victory in the second race of the year. The W09s have been brutally fast, but at least one has broken down at every race too.
Other blunders, by either team or driver, have conspired against Mercedes when the car has actually made it to the flag. Its horrific run has pitched Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Renault into a shock four-way fight for the title.
A pretty ridiculous scenario to envisage for F1, right? Probably, yes. But not Formula E: it was exactly the saga facing Audi's first season as a works team before it finally hit back last weekend.
To continue reading this feature, subscribe to Autosport Plus
Expert opinion. Technical insight. Unbeatable analysis. Subscribe today for unlimited access to the world's best motorsport journalism.Subscribe to Autosport Plus
- Completely ad-free environment.
- Access Autosport Plus - the best motorsport analysis, insight and opinion.
- No monthly news limit.
- Explore Forix, the world's most comprehensive motorsport stats database.
- Find out more about Autosport Plus
Are you an Autosport magazine subscriber? Activate your Plus account