The 2024 F1 season has humbled eight-time constructors champion Mercedes in a literal sense. After dominating the pinnacle of motorsport for over a decade, the Silver Arrows have fallen off the winning bandwagon. While 2024 was supposed to be a comeback year, the results so far are devastating.
In one of the biggest setbacks of the 2024 F1 season unfolding so far, Mercedes concluded the Australian Grand Prix with zero points after a double DNF. Meanwhile, a gutted team principal, Toto Wolff, addressed the team’s concerns and revealed how they fell way behind Ferrari in terms of race pace.
Toto Wolff Reveals Mercedes Fell Behind 40 Seconds To Ferrari In Australia
Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team went home with zero points at the Australian Grand Prix after Lewis Hamilton and George Russell witnessed retirements due to different reasons. While Hamilton had to abort his race halfway due to engine failure, Russell crashed on the final lap whilst trying to overtake Fernando Alonso. With that, the Silver Arrows fell to fourth place in the constructors championship, behind McLaren, Ferrari, and invincible Red Bull. That being said, the Brackley-based team had an opportunity to contest for a win since Max Verstappen also suffered a DNF due to overheating brake issues. However, their race pace was 40 seconds off Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, which eventually left Russell desperate as he crashed into the final lap in an aggressive move.
Speaking on the no-points show at Melbourne, team principal Toto Wolff candidly said he wants to punch himself. The Ferraris have made tons of progress over the weekends, while Mercedes is left fending for points, let alone securing podium finishes. Not only that, Wolff admitted getting his assessment on the W15 wrong. He firmly believed the 2024 season would be far better for the team compared to the preceding couple of years. However, on the other side, he sees serious potential for growth. Taking inspiration from Ferrari, Wolff intends to introduce upgrades to the W15 and turn things around quickly. But momentarily, Wolff says the time is tough for the Silver Arrows as they navigate their way through a challenging and tedious F1 season. “Super tough. I would be lying if I said at any moment that I feel positive about the situation and optimistic,” said Wolff.
Wolff To Reportedly Skip Japanese GP!
In an unusual turn of events, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff will reportedly skip upcoming Japanese Grand Prix due to unknown reasons. It is believed to be a schedule off day for the team boss and nothing related to the performance gap. Moreover, its still unclear as to who will take over Wolff’s duties in his absence.
That being said, Mercedes have a crucial race weekend coming up. Since the upgrades are halted due to data collection, the team isn’t expected to come out flying in Suzuka. However, scoring points should be a priority given the constructors championship is at stake. The Japanese GP is scheduled between April 5-7 at Suzuka Circuit.
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