In the last month, Toto Wolff and James Allison have extended their respective contracts with Mercedes AMG F1 until 2026, confirming themselves at the helm of the Brackley and Brixworth team for the next few years despite the Three-Pointed Star’s difficulties in the last two seasons.
For Mercedes, the 2024 Bahrain GP marks a new beginning following the departure of former technical director Mike Elliott. Ironically, some of his ideas – like the “cannons” on the W14 – are now visible on the Red Bull RB20:
The Mercedes W15 proved to be easier to drive and more appropriate in response to changes in structure compared to its predecessors.
George Russell validated this observation in testing: “The car has performed well and is in line with our sensations I had on the simulator before coming here.”
To be clear, the team’s result in Bahrain will not determine the season – whether positive or negative.
Still, it will be the first indication of where the team’s progress over winter. Ultimately, catching Red Bull is still their target.
Mercedes GP Bahrain, Wolff: “The W13 and W14 were inconsistent cars, while the W15 has a platform that works as expected”
Toto Wolff recalled previous seasons, characterized by huge inconsistency between simulator and track:
“A new season brings new opportunities, and it’s exciting to start a new campaign with all the drama it will inevitably bring.
“In each of the last two seasons, we’ve headed into our first game of the year defensively.
“There was some inherent goodness in W13 and W14, but it often proved too difficult to unlock. They were inconsistent machines.”
The change sought is to have a car with a more stable overall platform:
“Our main objective until 2024 was, therefore, clear – to create a coherent and stable platform.
“A car that would react as we expected, that drivers could consistently push to the limit. And one that we can develop throughout the year, knowing that we are bringing real performance to the track.”
The teams have an overall picture of their performance compared to their rivals. Still, no one wants to expose themselves before receiving the first verdict this weekend.
This includes team principal Toto Wolff:
“Over the course of these first two races, we will understand the work much better that we have done.
“After the pre-season tests, however, we can draw some initial conclusions. Riders are much happier with the overall balance.”
The Austrian manager, like Vasseur, always returns to the topic of the car’s platform:
“The basic platform works as expected. The correlation with our simulations appears to be accurate.
“This is all encouraging. It’s a good foundation we can build on.”
In response to rumours ‘accusing’ Mercedes of sandbagging during testing, Wolff responded:
“Our goal during the test was to get to know the car we have. Our attention can now focus on fine-tuning the performance for the Bahrain race weekend.”
All in all, compared to the last two years, it seems that there is more optimism at Mercedes.
This is not necessarily for the short-term but instead for their medium and long-term prospects. Unlike in 2022 and 2023, there is confidence the W15 can serve as a strong platform to work on.
“The whole team is enjoying the challenge ahead. There is a palpable sense of energy running through the factories and those along the tracks.
“The year ahead is long. There will be many highs, along with the inevitable lows. But that’s why we love racing. And now we can’t wait to get started.”
Author: Andrea Vergani
Translation: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
