The torrid start to the 2024 season finally tilted towards Mercedes. The team has been in a puddle. Since 2022, the ground effect regulations have been troubling its technical team. Moreover, despite consistent efforts, the F1 project looks below par.
However, the team has been engaged in a crucial car development battle for the past month, pushing the limits of its capabilities. The engineers at Brackley have been working tirelessly to address the issues with the W15, and their hard work paid off in the Canada GP. Despite the challenging showers and wet track conditions, both drivers delivered their best season performance. This is a testament to the team’s dedication and hard work.
Did Mercedes Truly Find The Right Formula, Or Was Canada Just An Outlier?
The Brackley-based team arrived in Canada full of optimism and belief. The squad sorely needed a solid ending, as recent instability discouraged them. Furthermore, the team’s principal, Toto Wolff, was sure they would gain momentum. The circuit-specific changes and the new front wings boosted the quest for the top ranks. The week began with severe rain, and Mercedes performed effectively despite the challenging conditions.
The free practice allowed the technical crew to collect data for Saturday’s qualifying. Furthermore, George Russell took the pole for the first time since 2022. Hamilton, on the other hand, finished in seventh place. Collectively, this was the best outing for the Mercedes duo. However, both drivers made a handful of mistakes, losing crucial time on the track. Despite a P4 finish, Lewis Hamilton marked this as his worst race ever as the seven-time world champion. On the other hand, George Russell, who lost his lead to Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, was also unhappy. However, team leader Toto Wolff is enthused by the results and believes it to be the portal to the pinnacle.
In discussing Mercedes’ performance during the Canadian Grand Prix, Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed cautious optimism. He highlighted that introducing numerous new parts has incrementally improved the car’s performance, contributing milliseconds that have gradually enhanced overall speed. Wolff noted that the team’s efforts yield tangible results, with more significant improvements expected in the upcoming races, particularly in Barcelona. He reflected on the recent race outcomes, stating that achieving third and fourth places marked an improvement compared to previous performances. Despite some negative sentiments stemming from missed opportunities to gain additional positions, Wolff remains hopeful. He anticipates fierce competition from Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes in future races, emphasizing the need for Mercedes to perform at their best to stay ahead consistently.
How Did George Russell Miss Out On The Much-Awaited Victory?
Although George Russell took the team’s first podium of the season, it might have been better. He admitted to making errors. Firstly, as Max Verstappen was leading on hard tyres, Russell attempted to overtake. However, in the process, he let Lando Norris pass by.
Later, at turn 13, the Mercedes driver challenged McLaren. However, his tyres collided with Norris, propelling him towards the escape path. George Russell pondered on his error, arguing that passing on Piastri was highly ambitious and unlikely to be achieved in that situation. He agreed that taking chances and driving aggressively sometimes lead to successful overtakes, but this attempt lost him a spot, which he eventually regained.
