Mercedes is trying to get their car as fast as possible to compete against Red Bull and Ferrari. But they are still winless in 2023. In the Singaporean Grand Prix, Ferrari broke the winning streak of Red Bull. Previously, Red Bull had won 15 races in a row, stretching back to the last year. But Ferrari on Sunday ended their drought of a Grand Prix win. Moreover, Ferrari is getting closer to Mercedes in the constructor championship.
But Mercedes CTO Mike Elliot clearly suggested that they have shifted their main focus to the 2024 season. However, they are keen to push for a second-place finish this season. But Mercedes’ boss suggests even though P2 is a respectable place, it won’t be fun if rivals win all. Moreover, Toto Wolff believes ending the streak of Red Bull was essential to keep the shine on their P2 finish in 2023.
Toto Wolff Feels If Red Bull Had Won All Races This Year, It Would Overshadow Mercedes’ Respectable Second Place Finish
In the Singaporean Grand Prix, Toto Wolff mentioned they are doing their best to their abilities. Moreover, Mercedes’ boss thinks the bones of last year’s car and W14 are the same fundamentally. But it became more difficult when they started going round and round on how to improve the vehicle. Moreover, Mercedes is planning to change the bone of the car for the next year. The Brackley team is seeing a lot of potential for the following year. However, they can’t predict anything right now. But Toto Wolff has faith in the mindset of the team at present.
Mercedes’ boss also feels they should take inspiration from other teams like Aston Martin and McLaren, who showed immense progress this year. From last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Aston Martin took a massive step in terms of increasing their pace. Meanwhile, McLaren generally had tough times in the qualifying sessions. But now they are fighting for pole positions and podiums in almost every race. These are some good signs of progress everybody can see in the new cost cap era. Toto Wolff says it is inspiring because, clearly, there is potential in the car. All these F1 teams need to do is unlock the potential. Then, the race will get even more competitive.
Ferrari Is Getting Closer To Second Place
Recently, the Italian manufacturer, Ferrari, overtook Aston Martin in third place in the constructor title run. After 15 races, it is almost inevitable that Red Bull will win the title, as there are only seven races remaining. However, Mercedes still aims to get their first Grand Prix win. The German team has been experimenting with the car with new upgrades and new strategies for each race.
But they still need to learn a lot about the car to finish at the top for once this season. They will take all the information and data they gather this season to develop the finest version of the next year’s car. It has truly been a difficult phase for the former champions to see their rivals win all races when they struggle to win even one.
