The Mercedes team, which once reigned the racing tracks, seems vulnerable. Since the introduction of ground effect regulations, the Silver Arrows have been on the back foot. After the failure of the zero-pod theory, the technical team was left clueless, aggravating Mercedes’ worries. As a result, a champion team transitioned into a mere competitor, filing to win a single race. Furthermore, the development team continuously failed to address the issues of the F1 car, so the German marquee was left in a rut.
As a result, starlet Lewis Hamilton decided to part ways with the team and signed a record-breaking deal with Ferrari. Thus, the Three-pointed stars were left with a problem-ridden W15 and Ferrari-bound Hamilton. Despite the hurdles, the squad was determined to make a comeback. Apparently, Mercedes might have found the ‘silver bullet’ after the Canada GP.
Tom Clarkson Hails Mercedes Upgrade As A ‘Eureka Moment’
The Mercedes team had been bold in introducing new upgrades. Further, they opted for several upgrades ahead of every weekend. However, the team principal asked the technical crew to go step-by-step and stop waiting for an overnight miracle. Thus, eight tiem constructors champions introduced a significant upgrade at Moncao. It consisted of a new floor body, rear and front wings, suspensions, and circuit-specific tweaks. As a result, George Russell was pleased with the front wings, while Lewis Hamilton didn’t want to risk the setup. However, both the racers enjoyed the new front wings and got the season’s best results. Thus, F1 pundit Tom Clarkson feels this could be the ‘eureka moment’ for the Brackley-based outfit.
On the F1 Nation podcast, Tom Clarkson discussed Mercedes’ recent performance improvements, highlighting their significant progress in the last two races. Clarkson attributed this to a combination of factors rather than a single upgrade. He mentioned that Mercedes’ technical director, James Allison, emphasized the importance of multiple elements contributing to the car’s enhancement. However, Clarkson noted that the new front wing, which George Russell first used in Monaco and both drivers had in Montreal, has been particularly impactful, referring to it as a “silver bullet.” He pointed out that the front wing’s design, which is compliant with regulations, has made a significant difference by allowing some flexibility within the permitted limits. Clarkson explained that while Red Bull had mastered this aspect early on, McLaren and now Mercedes have also successfully integrated it into their cars. This development has been a breakthrough, or “eureka moment,” for Mercedes. He highlighted Russell’s pole position in qualifying as a sign of their progress, noting that the team’s performance had fluctuated throughout the season as they sought solutions. Still, they now seem to have found a reliable setup.
Clarkson expressed excitement about the future of Formula One, citing the highly competitive nature of the sport exemplified by Russell and Max Verstappen setting identical lap times in qualifying. He acknowledged that Red Bull might still have an edge on high-speed tracks like Barcelona but praised McLaren’s solid performances and Mercedes’s resurgence. He concluded that while Mercedes may not yet match Red Bull on every circuit, they have indeed reestablished themselves as contenders for every race weekend.
Eddie Jordan’s Audacious Claim About Max Verstappen Goes Viral
On the Formula For Success podcast, Eddie Jordan shared his views on Max Verstappen, comparing him to legendary drivers Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Jordan expressed his belief that if Senna, Schumacher, and Verstappen competed in identical cars at the same race, Verstappen would have the edge. He praised Verstappen’s exceptional talent and solid performance, noting that his extensive racing experience sets him apart.
Jordan reflected on his own experiences with Senna and Schumacher, recalling how he discovered Senna, originally named Da Silva, in 1982. He gave Senna his first drive in a Formula 3 car at Silverstone and witnessed him win the Macau race in 1983, after which Senna changed his name. Jordan also had Schumacher in his cars, emphasizing his connection to both legends. However, these bold claims by Edie Hall went viral on the internet, and fans have a shared opinion about it.
