F1
Mercedes Tipped for F1 Victory Despite Predicted ‘Ceiling’ as Optimism Grows
Mercedes predicted to secure a victory despite limitations
"They will encounter a performance cap sooner than McLaren."
It has been forecasted that Mercedes will secure a victory in a Formula 1 grand prix this season, even though they will encounter certain limitations.
The team's performance turnaround has been remarkable, as demonstrated by back-to-back podium places first for George Russell and then for Lewis Hamilton.
This upcoming weekend, the F1 Austrian Grand Prix presents a chance to narrow the lead ahead of the Silverstone race occurring the following week.
“Canada will see another third and fourth,” remarked Karun Chandhok of Sky Sports after the F1 Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.
"The race was strong overall. However, they remain about 0.15 seconds per lap slower than McLaren."
"They've made progress since the season began. They're on a path of development."
“I’m curious to see if, with two more races approaching quickly, they can fine-tune the set-up to gain more speed.”
“They have made significant progress and are now much nearer. However, they still haven't reached the level of Lando and Max.”
Damon Hill evaluated Mercedes’ progress by saying, “It’s as if they’ve been floating without any stability. They’ve had nothing to anchor themselves to, no solid base.”
“They now have this front wing. Their confidence in their work has returned.”
"'Assuming that's correct, we could proceed with this, this, and this…'"
"It's clear that they are overstepping boundaries."
Could Mercedes be restricted by wind tunnel usage?
Nevertheless, Hill highlighted a potential issue on the horizon.
"Remember that they secured the second spot in the constructors' championship last year, which means they are likely to reach their peak performance before McLaren does," he stated.
Due to their higher placement in the constructors' rankings last season, Mercedes will have reduced wind tunnel time this year compared to competitors McLaren and Ferrari.
Nevertheless, there is a sense of hopefulness within Toto Wolff’s team.
Danica Patrick remarked that the situation is changing.
"Mercedes performed quite well throughout the weekend. If George had opted for soft tires, he might have secured third place, as the hard tires didn’t seem to perform well."
"They have many reasons to be joyful."
“Toto feels relieved and energized by the outcome, ready to pursue further success with renewed enthusiasm!”
Hill mentioned that not long ago, there was speculation about Adrian Newey moving to Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, and Ferrari making significant progress.
"Recently, questions have arisen regarding Adrian's move to Ferrari, making it seem less attractive."
However, Karun Chandhok cautioned that Ferrari will not allow Mercedes to continually outpace them without putting up a fight.
"Let's maintain our viewpoint," Chandhok remarked. "Leclerc, given one more lap, could have overtaken George. He wasn't trailing Lewis by much, and his race strategy was affected during the initial stint."
Might Hamilton reconsider his decision to join Ferrari in 2025 if Mercedes keeps outperforming them?
Chandhok responded by saying, "Does Lewis have any regrets? The difference in their qualifying times was just three hundredths of a second, and they were close during the race as well."
"In my opinion, Mercedes has the potential to secure a victory this year."
Hill emphasized that Hamilton is ready for competition once more and is confident in his ability to go head-to-head with both Lando and Max.
Mercedes has not secured a victory in a Formula 1 grand prix since Russell's win in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in late 2022.
Hamilton hasn't won since 2021.
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