In F1’s ground-effect aerodynamic era, Mercedes still faces challenges and struggles.
Losing Loïc Serra and Jerome d’Ambrosio to Ferrari, Toto Wolff isn’t worried about the loss of key personnel as he insists some people “had to go” as Mercedes bring in others.
Since the start of 2022, Mercedes has faced difficulties in Formula 1’s ground-effect aerodynamic era, managing only one victory. Despite the significant modifications made to their W15 car this season, neither Lewis Hamilton nor George Russell has achieved a podium finish in any Grand Prix so far.
‘We’re in an upward trajectory with the motivation, the energy’
Hamilton, being the most prominent, has recently departed, causing the team to experience a significant loss of key personnel as they enter their third year.
The Briton announced back in February that he’d be joining Ferrari next season, prompting speculation Mercedes could face a mass exodus.
While that hasn’t transpired, they have lost at least two other people to Ferrari in performance director Serra who will head Ferrari’s chassis performance engineering department and D’Ambrosio who has signed as Fred Vasseur’s deputy.
Chief aerodynamicist Gioacchino Vino has officially commenced his six months of gardening leave, as confirmed by the team on Friday. However, the exact location of his next venture is still unknown.
Despite the departure of three important individuals, Mercedes motorsport boss Wolff remains optimistic about the Brackley squad’s position, emphasizing that they are actively hiring new staff to strengthen their team.
“He informed Sky F1 that we are currently in a favorable position, having achieved eight consecutive championships. However, the situation began to decline, and one factor contributing to this decline is the human element.”
“I believe that the current situation is taking shape with some individuals choosing to leave, some individuals being required to leave, and, simultaneously, we are also welcoming new members to join our team.”
With James [Allison] leading the way, his exceptional abilities serve as a tremendous inspiration for the team. Under his guidance, we are experiencing an upward trajectory fueled by motivation, energy, and competence.
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‘You can look pretty poor if you’re not getting it together’
Following a disappointing start to the 2024 championship, Vino’s departure marks the latest addition to Mercedes’ list.
However, despite the drivers not yet achieving podium finishes, Wolff believes that this outcome is a consequence of small margins playing a significant role, as the competition is closer than ever before.
He stated that adding downforce and performance to the car is necessary, but he believes there is more to discover.
“I believe we are experiencing either excessive heat or excessive coldness in the tires, which is impacting the current situation.”
“I prefer the driver praising the car’s excellence and us being just a few tenths behind, rather than the opposite scenario.”
“Nowadays, Formula 1 demands a different perspective due to its intense level of competition. With 10 strong teams in the mix, a mere three-tenths of a second slower than the performance two years ago would have secured you a respectable third or fourth place. However, in the current scenario, being three-tenths off puts you in the seventh or eighth position.”
“This is what we envisioned Formula 1 to embody, however, if you fail to meet the standards, you can appear quite inadequate.”
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