2022 Belgian Grand Prix, Saturday – Jiri Krenek
Since the implementation of the current Formula 1 regulations focused on “ground effect” in 2022, Mercedes has been facing a decline in its dominance. The team had been unbeatable since 2014, excelling in the turbo-hybrid formula and winning seven consecutive F1 titles, as well as the Constructors’ Championship in 2021.
However, Mercedes is struggling to understand the key to consistently achieving high speeds with a ground effect F1 car, especially without facing stability issues. In the recent race in China, Mercedes finished sixth with George Russell and ninth with Lewis Hamilton, who had secured second place in the qualifying race.
Unfortunately, a setup adjustment after the qualifying race resulted in the seven-time F1 champion qualifying in 18th place for the Sunday race. Consequently, he faced significant challenges in scoring only two points, highlighting the current state of confusion at Mercedes.
Toto Wolff, who will continue to serve as team principal until 2026, is facing one of the most challenging years in that role. Despite experiencing tremendous success since joining Mercedes in 2013 until 2021, he is struggling to guide the team through its current difficulties.
Many believe that Wolff inherited a thriving F1 operation from his predecessor, Ross Brawn, who laid the foundations for the team’s success. Damon Hill, F1 champion in 1996, shares this view. During an interview on Sky Sports F1, Hill acknowledged the difficult situation facing Mercedes and commented on Wolff’s responsibility to identify and resolve the team’s problems.
Aggravating Mercedes’ problems, Hamilton seems to have lost confidence in the team that helped him win six of his seven F1 titles. He has already announced his move to Ferrari in the 2025 season, leaving his replacement at Mercedes still to be confirmed.
Hill stated: “I think he [Hamilton] probably knew [about Mercedes’ difficulties] the moment the first car with the new regulations appeared, that Mercedes was completely lost.”
