Mercedes used to rule the F1 grid once upon a time. In fact, a couple of years ago, they won the constructor title for the eighth time in a row. Since last year, the F1 grid has been following the cost cap rule. It has changed the fortune of Mercedes altogether. They won just a single race last year. Moreover, it was not even their regular winner, the seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton. Instead, it was the Mercedes debutant, George Russell.
Last year, the 25-year-old driver came from Williams to debut for Mercedes. In his first season for the Silver Arrows, George Russell won his maiden Grand Prix. It was the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Mercedes enjoyed a rare one-two finish for last year. On the other hand, the Austrian team has utilized their superior car to its fullest. But Mercedes is not giving up just yet. They will introduce new upgrades after the summer break. However, Toto Wolff mentioned that they have no choice but to shift focus on the next year’s car.
Mercedes Will Keep Pushing The Limits Of W14 After The Season Resumes
The team’s CTO, Mike Elliot, mentioned they would have to change the whole setup of the car. Moreover, they are taking inspiration from the old Mercedes cars that used to dominate the grid from 2014 to 2021. However, Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the driver’s title in 2021, narrowly beating Lewis Hamilton. But Mercedes has faith in W14 to improve still when they will get back on the Zandvoort track after the summer break ends. But Mike Elliot mentioned that they couldn’t do anything in the summer break as the regulations don’t allow them to. They will have to take a two-week break.
But the Mercedes CTO thinks it is good for many teams to stop working on all the developments of their car and rejuvenate themselves. However, when they get back to the factory after the summer break, they must use all that energy to bring more upgrades into the cars. Moreover, Elliot feels Mercedes must keep pushing for the second-place finish. They must learn more about the car so that they can improve the car for the winter and the following year. On the other hand, Red Bull will introduce a new side pod package after the summer break in late August. They are looking to make their car even more, stronger than what it already is.
The German Team Drivers Have Struggled Since Last Year Due To W13 & W14
Moreover, George Russell was able to beat his star teammate in his debut season for the German team. But Lewis Hamilton had his first winless season in his career, owing to the poor W13 car. This car had a tremendous porpoising issue. It caused so much bouncing that Hamilton and Russell sustained back and neck pain and some more bruises. But this year, the W14 car did not have too many bouncing issues until the Belgian Grand Prix. Moreover, they introduced new upgrades since the Monaco Grand Prix. But they have not yet won a single race. In fact, no other team has got the chance to win a race than Red Bull.