Mercedes had a terrible start to the 2024 season. They have never been this low since the 2011 season. However, their downfall started in 2022. Previously, they used to dominate the grid. It was during the period of turbo-hybrid engines. From 2014 to 2021, this German outfit had an incredible run, winning all the constructor titles. Moreover, they had the most dominant driver in Lewis Hamilton. The great English racer won six Driver’s World Championships in those eight years. He added those six titles to his maiden title with McLaren back in 2008 to become the second driver in F1’s history to win seven world championships. Later, in 2021, he was on his way to win the coveted eighth title. But then Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had other plans.
The young Dutch racer managed to beat the reigning champion back then to win his maiden World Championship. Later, in 2022, new cost cap and ground-effect rules came into play, that changed the dominance in the sport. Red Bull became the most dominant team, and Ferrari was right behind them. However, Mercedes has been trying their best to finish at least in P2. But it has been tough for them, especially in 2024. The way they started was horrible. It seemed like the Austrian outfit is far ahead from them. Moreover, McLaren and Ferrari had better cars than Toto Wolff’s team, too. However, the 2024 Canadian GP may mark the turning point for the German outfit.
Mercedes Back As Frontrunners?
At present, Red Bull is way ahead of the Brackley team in the standings. They have enjoyed five wins and ten podiums already. On the other hand, Mercedes had no podium finishes this year before the Canadian GP. The Silver Arrows have been making a lot of changes throughout the season to their car to understand it a lot better. Perhaps the race in Montreal should give them a lot of confidence. George Russell went on to win the pole position in Montreal. Moreover, the young Mercedes driver managed to finish on the podium in Canada. However, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen were a bit faster than Russell.
Eventually, the Dutch racer got his fifth GP win this year and maintained his winning streak in Canada. However, Russell’s performance was a big step forward for Mercedes. Clearly, the track in Montreal suited them. Moreover, the Brackley team made the most important upgrade with their new front wing. Clearly, the new front wing has made a huge difference, as per James Allison, the Mercedes Technical Director. Only time will tell if the new front wing can help the car produce a similar or better result in the following races.
Lewis Hamilton Not Happy With His Performance In Montreal
Sir Lewis Hamilton had a P4 finish in Montreal, Canada. In the post-race interview, it seemed like he exaggerated a bit, as per Therace.com, saying that it was his worst weekend in terms of his own performance. Moreover, the seven-time champion claimed the W15 car in Canada was capable of winning the race. However, during certain laps, the car lost the momentum and Hamilton thinks he could have done a lot better.
But Toto Wolff said in case of the performance, they might want to do a lot better, albeit, it still seems quite far to accomplish. Hence, there are still doubts about the potential of the 2024 Mercedes car. But the Canadian GP should boost the morale in the Brackley outfit.
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