As the Formula 1 season comes to a close, Mercedes has set its sights on thoroughly analysing its weaknesses, given that a fourth-place finish in the constructors’ standings is now all but inevitable. Despite showing promise earlier this season, the results did not sustain into the latter part of the campaign.
Mid-Season Surge
The Silver Arrows experienced a much-needed turnaround mid-season after completing a winless stint in 2023. Mercedes clinched three significant victories over the summer, rekindling hopes for a strong season end. George Russell’s triumph in Austria was notably aided by a collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Lewis Hamilton’s victories in Britain and Belgium further stoked optimism within the team.
Challenges in Maintaining Momentum
However, sustaining this momentum proved challenging for Mercedes. While Russell initially led in the wet conditions at Interlagos, his decision to pit before the red flag resulted in a fourth-place finish, marking a continuation of the team’s podium drought since the Azerbaijan GP in September. That race saw Russell take third after Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez tangled towards the end.
Focus on Future Improvements
Trails of Mercedes’s struggles have been apparent since the dawn of the ground-effect era, which introduced new technical demands and competition dynamics. With a 162-point gap to third-placed Red Bull, Mercedes is turning its attention to understanding and addressing these challenges. Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’s trackside engineering director, emphasised that the focus is now squarely on resolving persistent issues as the team builds for the 2025 season and the final year of the current regulatory cycle.
The Path Forward
Mercedes’s dedication to better understanding its setbacks is crucial not only for the immediate future but also for maintaining its legacy as a leading force in Formula 1. As the team looks to 2025, the lessons learned in these concluding races are vital to reclaiming its competitive edge.
