Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has tried to play down the expectations of the team’s new concept, which is being introduced this weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The initial plan was to introduce the new concept at last weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix; however, following the cancellation of the event, Mercedes instead opted to take the new concept to the Circuit de Monaco.
Given the characteristics of the legendary street circuit, Mercedes are unlikely to get much of an understanding of the new concept this weekend, with the Spanish Grand Prix next weekend set to be where the concept can be judged as a success or not.
Some have questioned why the concept has been introduced this weekend rather than next weekend in Spain, with many believing it’s due to the Germans being desperate.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Others though, wonder if the Brackley-based team have seen something positive in the simulator.
Friday’s running will offer a bit of a guide as to whether the new concept is a step forward or not, with Wolff having tried his best to quieten any unrealistic expectations.
Mercedes’ aim is seemingly to finally get on the right path, allowing them to make genuine improvements as the season develops.
With that in mind, Wolff has warned that the new concept isn’t a “silver bullet”, with the side not set to return to winning ways overnight.
“The revised calendar means that Monaco is now the starting point of the European leg of the season,” explained Wolff in Mercedes’ Monaco preview.
“It is a unique event but will still provide an opportunity to learn about the upgrades to W14 – but we also need to be careful not to draw too many conclusions from this one event.
READ: 2023 Monaco GP: Mercedes new sidepods leaked
“We are introducing the first step in a new development direction. It won’t be a silver bullet; from my experience, they do not exist in our sport.
“We hope that it gives the drivers a more stable and predictable platform. Then we can build on that in the weeks and months ahead.
“F1 is tough competition and a meritocracy. We are not where we want to be but there’s no sense of entitlement. It’s just about hard work to get us to the front.”