Mercedes Technical Director, Mike Elliot, has been given an ultimatum to turn things around for the Brackley-based team after an underwhelming display in Bahrain.
The team finished in 5th and 7th respectively showing no signs that they are getting back to their best.
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George Russell even went as far to say that Red Bull’s, Max Verstappen will win every Grand Prix in 2023, such is the lack of confidence in the camp.
While the W13 isn’t porpoising in the same way it did last year, there seems to be a lack of stability plaguing both cars.
Fernando Alonso managed a fantastic 3rd place in the season opener.
The Aston Martin is powered by Mercedes engine but seems the better car after the season opener.
Toto Wolff even outlined how similar the two cars are after the race:
“The same engine, gearbox and suspension, and right now, they are ahead of us. It is evident that there is something to be traced back to the aerodynamic DNA of our single-seater and to the wind tunnel that does not allow us to be successful.” he said.
Despite this, Mercedes have been unable to extract the same performance as their rivals.
James Allison has even returned to bring some of his old magic to the team.
‘One of the worst days in racing’
Many hoped Mercedes would take the fight to Red Bull and Ferrari
The team had a mini-comeback in the second half of the season taking their only win of the season at the penultimate Brazilian GP.
However it seems the “zero sidepod” – which has been made less aggressive than its predecessor – is aerodynamically wrong.
The team will follow a conventional style similar to Red Bull’s 2022 design going forward.
“The new sidepods are part of the planned development on the W14. It takes time to bring it because we need to produce new parts, and we need to change some parts that are underneath the bodywork to be able to assemble it. It will debut we will bring as soon as possible.” said Mike Elliot.
Hamilton’s 8th title is slipping away
Many believe Lewis Hamilton’s only remaining goal in F1 is to claim that illustrious eighth title.
The Brit would have hoped this was the year he’d get that challenge back on track.
However all does not seem well at Mercedes.
Hamilton recently claimed the team didn’t listen when he raised concerns about ‘issues’ with the W14.
While there are no fireworks yet it is not out of the question for the Brit to look for a move elsewhere in a bid to claim that final title.
Mike Elliot is positive that the team can turn it around though.
“If you look at where we were last year, we had really big problems with porpoising. Over the winter, we have solved many, and we went into testing feeling like we had a better package to work with.”
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