The Mercedes AMG Petronas team’s principal Toto Wolff has announced several changes they are bringing in the W14 car after starting the 2023 season on the back foot.
Two races have gone, and Mercedes remained away from the podiums in both of them. Today in the qualifying session of the Australian Grand Prix, the team made a little progress, as Lewis Hamilton secured a P3 and George Russell P2. Reportedly, this progress results from the upgrades that Mercedes brought in the car just before coming to Melbourne. Given the positive feedback of the little changes the Brackley team is making with the W14, fans started expecting the MAJOR upgrades as soon as possible. But sadly, Toto Wolff is in no hurry.
Ques: So, when are the first major upgrades coming to the W14 by the German squad?
“Toto Wolff” Ans: “Not before Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May.”
The outcomes of the pre-season test itself were not desirable for the Mercedes. They understand that the claims about a strong comeback are not going to be true this time. And in the season’s opener, Bahrain Grand Prix, it was proved. Hamilton faced serious balancing issues, while Russell complained about the car being pace less. Wolff already somehow knew that the direction they chose was “WRONG,” and now the team needed a new right direction. The boss has announced a gamer changer and “visible changes” on the way to Mercedes. He is ready to copy Red Bull’s concept, ditch the sidepod concept, and swallow the pride of being unique.
“Consolidating Mercedes Place In Between Ferrari & Aston Amrtin Is A Good Step,” Says Toto Wolff
Speaking with Sky Sports, Wolff revealed that the team is making good steps towards the development of the car. But still, the confirmation that, yes! It is exactly what Mercedes needs, is yet to come as it takes test runs. The upcoming few weekends might to wasted producing the developments and confirming them.
However, the above fact has made Toto Wolff believe that the correct time when Mercedes should finally introduce the major upgrades is “Imola, as we want to do it right also,” he said. The Silver Arrows have had a good time for almost a decade with the turbo hybrid engines, but this ground floor effect is not something they are experienced with. And adjusting to new things with no expertise takes time, indeed.
However, now the Mercedes boss is a little settled as, according to him, Mercedes has found the “RIGHT and GOOD Direction” to go with. But, even if he wants to, he cannot expect a miracle. By the way, it is a miracle to get on the pole in half a second. Currently, one thing is clear to Toto Wolff: Red Bull is beyond the imagination. The gap of 15s that the reigning champion team had is not something that Mercedes is capable of bridging, but they can definitely battle with Aston Martin and Ferrari. So Toto Wolff feels chasing them would be a good step rather than fighting with Red Bull.
The path is clear, but not without challenges and difficulties. So things are not going to be easy, but at least now Mercedes knows where they are heading to. This is what the Mercedes boss believes.