Mercedes used to be the most dominant team in Formula 1 once upon a time. In fact, it was just three years ago. But times change pretty quickly, and fortunes do too. That’s what the F1 fans can see in the last decade or so. From 2010 to 2013, it was the same team that is dominating now, used to dominate then. However, when regulations changed in 2014, and the governing body introduced new rules with the “Turbo-hybrid engines” there was a shift in power. The dominance passed from Red Bull to Mercedes. Then, for eight years in a row, there was no looking back as the German team only created history.
The Silver Arrows won all the constructor titles from 2014 to 2021. Moreover, the face of the team, Lewis Hamilton, went on to win six Driver’s World Championships and added to his maiden title with McLaren in 2008. Then, what went so wrong in 2022? Since FIA introduced the ground effect regulations and budget cap as well, Mercedes has found winning a race too damn hard. They have been winless since 2023. Lately, a former technical director of the German team attributed the fall from dominance to “Wrong turns” in the current era.
How Mercedes Struggled After Taking Wrong Turns?
Recently, in an interview with Motorsport.com, Paddy Lowe, a former Technical Director of the Silver Arrows mentioned that the teams which are doing well are not too arrogant. Moreover, Lowe said, “You should consider it’s your good fortune and not just brilliance that you have a good car.” He believes it is a great message that most of them have learned over all these years. Then, he told Motorsport.com that Mercedes had made some wrong turns in terms of aerodynamics. Paddy Lowe noted that the tools they use are a lot more sophisticated than yesterday. Nonetheless, Lowe said teams will admit that in the case of wind tunnels, CFD and so on, these are some highly flawed tools despite their sophistication.
Thus, there are always chances of going down an avenue in real life that just doesn’t work. Then, the former Technical Director of Mercedes mentioned, “You try to recover from that phase,” and that’s what is happening with his former team, he believes. “Simply over a matter of time,” Lowe feels it is very difficult to recover. Moreover, the former Technical Director pointed out the thin margin between the top teams in the sport. He said it is really tough to produce lap time at a higher rate than the rival teams. That’s why Mercedes has been staying at the offset to try to claw it back.
What Lowe Thinks Of His Former Team’s Chances To Get Back In Title Contention?
Lately, Tom Clarkson of F1 Nation Podcast pointed at the new flexi front wing of Mercedes, saying that’s what they needed to get back on top under the current regulations. Moreover, George Russell had a great performance in Montreal, Canada. Now, the question if he and the Silver Arrows can keep up the performance in the upcoming races. Paddy Lowe said they may or may not get there.
Moreover, the former Technical Director said, “It might even get worse.” He added that the beauty of the sport is champions come and go. Lowe always thought F1 is a bit like “The Romans and the Greeks.” Empires rise and then they fall. Lowe added that Mercedes will look forward to the 2026 regulations as a “Disturbance” to try and see if they can change the status quo.
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