Looks like Mercedes is still hopeful of bouncing back and retaining the top spot in Formula One. They dominated the grid from 2014 to 2021 but lost their grip on the title after the Brackley team messed up the car design in the cost cap era. The team had different ideas about what would work on the car under strict budget restrictions. At first, Mercedes engineers thought that the zero-side pod concept was the way to go. But it did not take time for the team and everybody to understand that they were on the wrong track.
As a result, the last year got entirely ruined because of their implementation of the wrong idea. But the Brackley team did not change the zero side pod concept initially this season either. However, coming to the Monaco Grand Prix, the Silver Arrows introduced new upgrades that made the drivers feel good about the car. After the upgrades, driver Lewis Hamilton mentioned at the Monaco Grand Prix, “The car feels good.” But the real boost to their W14 car came in the next Grand Prix in Spain as they secured their first double podium this season. Now, Mercedes is waiting for a couple more upgrades in the next four races. And that might raise some serious concern for their rivals, Red Bull.
Andrew Shovlin Suggests The Next Four Races Will Suit W14 Better
Mercedes trackside engineer Andrew Shovlin recently revealed that the upcoming four races remaining before the summer break will suit the new upgrades to W14. Hence, the team is confident of bouncing back in the race for the title. Moreover, the recent news of Mercedes waiting for two more upgrades may increase concern in the Red Bull camp. It has been more than 200 days since the German team won a race. Hence it is unlikely that the result of the following races would be any different. But the upgrades to their W14 car from the Monaco GP have helped the team gain a little bit of momentum. Despite that, Mercedes was still behind Aston Martin in Montreal.
Although Andrew Shovlin suggests that the gap was not that frightening. But with the help of George Russell, they could have pushed Fernando Alonso behind. The Brackley team is happy with their current pace and hopes it continues to increase in the following races. Shovlin also pointed out the contributions of both Mercedes drivers in qualifying and the final rounds. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton earning points have made a lot of difference for Mercedes, unlike in other teams where two drivers together are not able to win points. Clearly, both drivers need to keep performing to the best of their abilities. That will help Mercedes close the gap between them and their arch-rivals Red Bull gradually.
Mercedes Is Still Far Behind Red Bull
In the last Canadian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton secured his third podium this season. But still, Mercedes is nowhere near their arch-rivals Red Bull. The Milton Keynes team has won all the races so far, in which Max Verstappen has won six races already. But the Silver Arrows are yet to win a race this season. However, the Brackley team is not giving up that easily. They have prepared to test two more upgrades. Moreover, boss Toto Wolff mentioned, “A big upgrade awaits us in Silverstone.” He asserted that the car is getting better. Also, the new platform is helping the team a lot.
