After the difficulties in the current Formula 1 season, Mercedes is doing everything possible to iron out the problems for the next season in order to be able to fight at the front again. There was early focus on development for 2023, which is why the new car is “very far along,” as Mike Elliott reveals.
However, the Mercedes technical director admits: “It’s quite difficult to predict how much lap time you have to find. I think there were races this year where we were very close. In fact, our performance at a number of races was pretty decent, on others we were way off.”
“We’ve tried to understand that and I think we understand that now. We know what we need to put right. I won’t give a number of course because that would give too much away but I think what we need to find lies within the realm of possibility.”
Team prepares for “hard winter”.
Elliott knows the team is in for a “rough winter.” “But hopefully we can get ourselves back into a position where we can fight at the front.”
In any case, there is one thing that will not fail, emphasizes the head of technology: work ethic. Because what is often not seen from the outside is what the drivers do behind the scenes. “Our drivers have been brilliant this year. We haven’t given them the car they need to fight,” says Elliott.
“For Lewis in particular, the seven-time world champion, it was tough not being in that position, winning races every weekend and fighting for the title.” Nevertheless, it is he who drives the team. “He gives us really good feedback and works hard.”
Hamilton appears as a leader
“His work ethic hasn’t changed at all this year. He’s here late into the evening, working with us and trying to get the best out of the car. That’s an encouragement to everyone else in the team when you see the effort he achieves,” he praises the Mercedes driver.
“Lewis also spoke to the factory almost two weeks ago. He got up and spoke to them and he was brilliant. I think a personality like Lewis is expected to really lead the team and give them energy. I think so after it is what we need before the difficult winter.”
Hamilton’s teammate George Russell, who only joined Mercedes this season, is no less committed. “It’s been really nice to see how he’s progressed,” says Elliott.
“When you sit down at a table with a seven-time world champion and bring your views, it must be difficult at first. But I think George has played a big role in the team and he’s doing a really good job,” he said.
Winning again is the greatest incentive
Russell himself describes team morale as “pretty good considering how successful the team has been and how little it is at the moment”. But that is also part of the motivation. “Because they are not satisfied with where we are at the moment and of course they want to get back on the road to success.”
And Hamilton adds: “We always have to remember that this is a team that has people who have been here for over 20 years and have won eight titles since I’ve been here and even more before that. They know how to build a car that fights for the world championship.”
“For me it’s just about supporting them as much as possible. Of course I have to try to keep everyone encouraged and make sure we leave no stone unturned so that we can fight for the positions we deserve next year. “