The Mercedes F1 team is navigating a turbulent season, with their star driver’s potential move to Ferrari in 2025 casting a shadow of uncertainty over the team’s future. Adding to the intrigue, Ferrari has recently poached several former Mercedes employees, dealing a significant blow to the German marque. However, a recent revelation about James Allison might increase their agony.
Silver Arrow’s Technical Head, James Allison, replaced the Williams-bound Paddy Lowe in 2017. Later, in 2021, he was promoted to Chief Technical Officer, which was then converted to Technical Director. Therefore, Allison has been an integral part of the team, supporting them through thick and thin. However, a recent report suggests James Allison was eyeing an early exit from the Brackley-based outfit.
Mercedes Might Accelerate Ahead Of The Competition On The Monaco Track
The Three-pointed stars have been struggling since the Abu Dhabi race in 2021. Lewis Hamilton lost to Max Verstappen by the barest of margins, and the entire team’s fortunes took a drastic downturn. Moreover, the Mercedes slump began when FIA implemented the ground effect regulations in 2022. The team looked clueless while designing the car, as significant issues contributed to a lack of pace. Further, it has been two years since the change, and the technical team is grappling with the aerodynamic issues. James Allison, the technical director, is the team’s only hope, as his passion for motorsport is unmatched. The 56-year-old technical head is one of the key personnel, keeping the team hopeful despite the never-ending slump. However, in a recent report by Motorsport Italia, James Allison almost left the SIlver outfit due to isolation within the team. Since the team was constantly struggling, he blamed himself for the chaos and felt alone within the team. He handed over his resignation, which the Mercedes Management rejected. The management believes in Allison’s expertise, as he will be the protagonist for the upcoming regulation changes.
On the other hand, Mercedes drivers Hamilton and Russell are optimistic for the Monaco GP. Hamilton, who has breached the Monaco GP thrice, hasn’t stood on the podium there since 2019. However, the Briton is hopeful for a turn of events as the last two upgrades might improve W15’s performance. He feels the car is in a much better position than its predecessor last year. Further, he professed the importance of practice to figure out the nature of the track. Similarly, his teammate George Russell believes the Monaco GP will help the team conceal its shortcomings. The Monaco track is an outlier that allows drivers to overcompensate. Consequently, it might help the Silver Arrows fight the W15 woes.
Toto Wolff Asked Horner To Work On His Math
The verbal firing between Red Bull and Mercedes continues after Christian Horner claims to have poached over 200 Mercedes staff in recent years. The Red Bull CEO was in no mood to hold back, criticizing Mercedes’ poor performance while defending his team’s capabilities. Toto Wolff just heard this assertion and asked Horner to alter his figures.
Wolff told the media that just 19 engineers had departed the company and advised RBR’s principal to practice his math. Furthermore, he stated that team member turnover is expected in motorsports. People come and go, but it never disrupts the process of continuous improvement. Finally, he proudly praised his team’s accomplishments, claiming their engines set the standard for Formula One.
