As the Formula 1 world takes a pause for the summer hiatus, Mercedes is sat in an advantageous position despite Red Bull’s ongoing dominance.
While the Silver Arrows can’t end Red Bull’s victory streak, the team appears destined for the season’s runner-up spot.
During the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, Mercedes displayed renewed vigor, harking back to their performance during the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton secured pole position for the first time in 33 races, exhibiting the team’s resolve to bridge the gap to their rivals.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
However, their commendable efforts failed to disrupt Red Bull’s impressive streak of securing 12 consecutive wins.
Despite fending off contenders like Aston Martin and getting closer to Red Bull, Mercedes sees the imminent summer recess as a strategic juncture to recalibrate their focus towards the upcoming season.
Mike Elliot, Chief Technical Officer, conveyed the team’s perspective concerning their existing standing and future strategies.
Elliot acknowledged, “I think there’s still learning we can do, and there’s still P2 to fight for in the championship.
“So we’ll keep developing.
“But obviously our prime focus now is next year’s car.”
Even in light of this shift, he underscored that the 2023 season is far from concluded, with planned enhancements in the pipeline for the rest of the season.
“You have to sort of pick a direction and go in it,” Elliot said.
“And as you learn, you can tweak that direction, move it slightly…”
Elliot’s perspective on tackling hurdles and refining tactics resonated with the sentiments of Mercedes’ celebrated driver, the 7-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton.
In a recent conversation with Channel 4, Hamilton revealed his detachment from immediate 2023 outcomes, stating, ““I really don’t care what position I finish in this year.
READ: Max Verstappen has to deal with ‘new’ Sergio Perez
“I’m focused on just trying to give the best development information to the team, working with the guys to make sure we steer this car in the right way and when we start the first race or the first test next year we hit the ground running.”
Despite the position Mercedes finds itself in, the team faces a fresh challenge amid the resurgent McLaren outfit.
With Hamilton’s old team on the rise, Mercedes might need to adapt their focus again to ensure they still fight for podiums and hold onto the P2 spot in the Constructors’ Standings.