‘They’ve lost their way’ – Helmut Marko’s honest assessment of Mercedes
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As Red Bull dominated the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix with a 1-2 finish, Mercedes only managed fifth and seventh with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell over 50 seconds off the lead.Changing Merc concept is no quick fix – just ask Aston! Bahrain talking pointsWhile the W14 no longer suffers from porpoising, it seems to lack overall downforce and mechanical grip.Why Mercedes car concept needs to CHANGEVideo of Why Mercedes car concept needs to CHANGEMore worryingly for Mercedes is that Aston Martin – who started 2022 as one of the slowest teams – have overtaken them in outright pace.During the Bahrain GP F1 weekend, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hinted that the team may adopt a new car concept later in the season – a remarkable decision given that there’s only been one race.Marko believes Mercedes have taken “a step backwards” relative to last year, and that they will find it difficult to challenge Red Bull this year due to the cost cap.Wolff reveals new Mercedes F1 concept already in the wind tunnel“Mercedes has more than one obstacle, that’s clear,” Marko told OE24. “They have not made any progress compared to last season. If you look at the gaps, it was even a step backwards. Related Wolff: “Throw car in a trash can” – Hamilton? “It doesn’t help to sulk” “All dynasties fall – that’s what has happened at Mercedes”
“They seem to have lost their way somewhere. I am curious to see what they will do now. Because of the cost cap, it’s such a problem to develop the car routinely.Wolff: “Throw car in a trash can” – Hamilton? “It doesn’t help to sulk”“How do you put together a completely new car? “Unless they make the golden shot, which I wouldn’t assume after recent experiences.”
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