2024 will be an “important year for Mercedes”, says Martin Brundle
After eight consecutive constructors' titles, Mercedes fell from its pedestal in 2022. This year, the team has not won a single race, its first since 2011. For former F1 driver and Grand Prix commentator Martin Brundle, 2024 will be an important year for the team.
For the first time since 2011, Mercedes has not won any races in an F1 season. The eight podium finishes of the ‘Black Arrows’ and their second place in the constructor’s standings show that the team has not regressed significantly.
Toto Wolff, executive director of Mercedes, wants to believe in his team’s comeback to the forefront.
« I have a long-term vision. I have a plaque in our factory that lists all the world titles of the constructors since 1958. And the chart continues until 2050. So, we are changing the concept of the car for 2024. We are completely moving away from how we have designed the chassis, weight distribution, and airflow. Literally, almost all parts have been changed because I think it’s the only way for us to have a chance », explains Toto Wolff.
Suddenly they can’t win anymore
Martin Brundle, former F1 driver and current commentator for Grand Prix races on Sky Sport, states that Mercedes will have an important season in 2024 considering the power it used to have.
« They didn’t have the right car for 2022, and they didn’t improve it for 2023. You can see it in other sports where a group of people seems unable to lose. And then, all of a sudden, they can’t win anymore. It’s really bizarre, and all it takes is two or three pieces of the puzzle to change in one direction or another », explains Martin Brundle on Sky Sports’ microphone.
Before the start of the 2024 season, George Russell remains optimistic and sees his team turning the corner.
« What is positive is that we don’t rack our brains trying to figure out why we are so far behind Red Bull. We see so many weaknesses on that car. It motivates everyone in the factory to investigate these issues. Of course, I expect Red Bull to make a new leap. But I have no doubt that we will be in a stronger position in Bahrain at the start of the 2024 season than we were in Bahrain this year », declares the Briton.
