A recent change at Mercedes has raised significant concerns about the team’s long-term plans, especially considering their ongoing struggles with ground effect cars.
During an episode of The Chequered Flag Podcast, journalist Andrew Benson provided insights into the internal dynamics at Mercedes as the Formula 1 team faces significant changes.
In 2025, Mercedes will undergo a major transition as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari, a change that was previously considered highly unlikely.
This change raises important questions about Mercedes’ strategies for the future, especially considering their ongoing struggles with ground effect cars.
As Mercedes grapples with these challenges and prepares for the upcoming regulatory changes in 2026, team principal Toto Wolff is under pressure to assess whether his current team is capable of designing the next generation of Mercedes cars.
Amidst these strategic dilemmas, the idea of firing technical director James Allison seems unlikely.
Allison, who has an extensive career in Formula 1 spanning many years and working with several top teams, remains a vital asset.
His time at Mercedes has been marked by significant achievements, including contributing to multiple Constructors’ Championships and helping Lewis Hamilton secure his latest individual titles.
Benson emphasized the importance of Allison’s role, stating: “The issue is not a management issue, it’s a technical understanding issue. Toto Wolff is not the one designing the car; the problem lies in the car’s design.”
“Now, this brings us to the question of the technical department. Will they make changes there? Perhaps. But would they really replace James Allison as technical director? I would be completely surprised if they did.”
“James Allison is highly respected; most people would consider him the second-best technical leader in Formula 1, just behind Adrian Newey. I think most people would find it absurd if they were to let Allison go.”
Despite the internal challenges that Mercedes faces, their competitors are not standing still.
McLaren, for example, is gaining momentum, driven by the impressive performances of Lando Norris, which include a podium finish at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Damon Hill, reflecting on Norris’s success, acknowledged McLaren’s positive trajectory and speculated on the potential impact if Adrian Newey, a highly sought-after and renowned figure for his design skills in Formula 1, were to join the team.
As the Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve, teams like Mercedes and McLaren are making strategic moves on and off the track to improve their competitive edge.
While Mercedes works to overcome their technical challenges, McLaren positions itself as a formidable competitor, potentially attracting top talents like Newey to accelerate their rise in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
