Mercedes: A restrained title and a victory by Hamilton dedicated to Jules Bianchi

The Mercedes team won its first Constructors’ World Championship title this Sunday, in a subdued atmosphere as the condition of Jules Bianchi, who was injured in Japan, remains critical.

During the first Mercedes era in Formula 1, in the mid-1950s, the firm did not win this title itself, as the trophy was only created in 1958. However, the 1954 and 1955 seasons saw a driver in a Silver Arrow crowned champion, Juan-Manuel Fangio, before the brand withdrew at the end of the 1955 season, partly following the tragic events at Le Mans.

2014 is already a historic season in every respect for Mercedes, which has won the constructors’ trophy, securing it three Grand Prix before the end of the season, with the W05 Hybrid already allowing their drivers to achieve 9 one-two finishes, just one shy of the record set by the legendary McLaren MP4/4 driven by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

If the title was indeed celebrated in Sochi, restraint was necessary, as the Russian weekend was marked by numerous words and attentions towards Jules Bianchi, still hospitalized in very critical condition at the hospital in Yokkaichi, Japan. In this regard, Toto Wolff, the executive director of Mercedes AMG F1, was keen not to forget that a driver is fighting for his life: « It’s a great moment for our team, but, above all, we must not forget what happened last weekend. While we celebrate this well-deserved reward, we do not forget what happened to Jules in Suzuka and we will never forget the battle he is fighting at this moment. We are divided today, celebrating a moment we worked hard for, but it will never take away the sadness of the events of the last GP. »

Same sentiment from Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: « I would like […] to mark this moment by saying that our thoughts are with Jules Bianchi and his loved ones after his tragic accident at the Japanese Grand Prix. The fate of this brilliant and talented young athlete overshadows any idea of sporting celebration today. Thanks to the excellent work of the FIA and the teams, Formula 1 has established a benchmark in safety, and I know that nothing will be left to chance by the FIA President, Jean Todt, and his experts, to ensure that the right lessons will be learned from this tragic incident. » The FIA released the findings of its investigation and future directions to the press on Saturday.

The winner of the day, Lewis Hamilton, did not fail to dedicate his victory to the Frenchman in an interview for the official F1 website: « Throughout the week, there has been only one person in my mind, and that’s Jules. There was excitement and joy for the team, but without a doubt, every time I was in the car this weekend, coming here, being here, I thought of him and his family and continued to pray every day. Even if it means nothing, or doesn’t change anything, it would be great to dedicate [this victory] to Jules and his family. It will make only a small difference for them, obviously, but hopefully, every little bit of positive energy can help. I need all of you guys, and all of us, the teams, to send him our positive thoughts because positive energy is something real. »