Mercedes is on the “right trajectory,” according to team principal Toto Wolff, as the team targets a comeback against title-leaders Red Bull.
While Mercedes had been optimistic that the W14 would put them back at the top of the sport, it has struggled to keep up with Red Bull, as they remain a dominant force on the grid.
Wolff personally described the first race of the season as “one of his worst days in racing,” promising a shakeup of the car’s design.
Fresh from securing their first podium of the year in Australia, Mercedes is hoping that upgrades on the way will allow them to end Red Bull’s grip on P1.
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“In terms of car development, it is encouraging to see that within three races, we understand the car much better, we have defined a clear direction where we need to go and I believe we are on the right trajectory,” Wolff told the Mercedes website.
“We need to consolidate our understanding and hopefully over the next few races we can make another step.
“It’s also important to keep on track and not oscillate too much between exuberance and depression; to stay rational and believe in our trajectory, believe in the capability of the team.
“There will be setbacks but there will also be upgrades and plenty of work that will help us get closer to the front.”
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The upgrades could come sooner than previously planned after an extended April break due to the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix.
“We will consistently be bringing upgrades to the car over the next few races, which is something to look forward to,” Wolff explained.
“But there is no such thing as a magic bullet that transforms the car, and it’s about being realistic with your expectations. Hopefully we will see a steady improvement.”