Mercedes is yet to figure out a way to find winning ways again. It has been two years since Mercedes won any title. The last Grand Prix they won was back in Brazil last year. That was the only race win for the Mercedes team last season. It has been just too tough for the former champion side after they narrowly missed out on the driver’s world championship in 2021 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Unfortunately, their car has become a major disappointment all this while. Last year, W13 caused porpoising issues, and this year W14 is producing trouble with the balance and rear downforce. Mercedes has fallen behind their customer team, Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso is cruising with AMR23 to challenge Red Bull. The Aston Martin team has done a remarkable job on AMR23 using Mercedes products for their gearbox, rear, and whatnot. Hence, the question is, why can’t Mercedes do better than Aston Martin with their own product? Looks like Mercedes needs to change their concept of zero-side pods effect immediately. That same concept they used on W13 is still ruining their current season.
Mercedes Hopes Allison Will Bring Their Luck Back
To get Mercedes back on the right track, Team Principal Toto Wolff has brought back James Allison. It is essential Allison play the role of the Technical Director again to help and motivate the team of engineers to build the car that will win not only races but championships as well. The idea to bring Allison back was to chalk out a plan for the future as well. Mike Elliot, who succeeded Allison as Technical Director after James left for INEOS Britannia America’s Cup team, will now become the Chief Technical Officer. From now on, Allison will report to Elliot.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff mentioned, “It was Mike’s decision to bring James back in the same role.” Wolff told Autosport that Mike felt James is a gladiator who will encourage the troops to move forward. The troops will move through fire thick and thin for James Allison. Mike feels that he is better suited to take care of the development of the organization from a technical to human standpoint. He will look forward to putting together the structure for years to come. As per James Allison is concerned, he has got an abundant volume of experience in success.
James Allison Has A Wealth Of Experience
Before joining the Silver Arrows in 2017 for the first time, he had seen great days with Renault and Ferrari. Allison’s career started way back in the early 1990s. Hence, Mercedes management will hope Allison’s invaluable experience will bring back the glory days in the future. The first task would be to take care of the car and build it how Hamilton likes it.
Only then he will be able to get the most out of the W14 car. Moreover, the previous Grand Prix ended on a positive note for Mercedes as they won their first podium finish this season. Lewis Hamilton won his 192nd podium finish in Australia. Furthermore, the teams will be gearing up to make a mark in Baku, Azerbaijan, later this month.
