The commencement of the 2024 season has posed significant challenges for the German manufacturer, notably highlighted during the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where the W15 exhibited vulnerability in high-speed corners, leaving the team grappling for explanations.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ Team Principal, remains steadfast in his confidence regarding the team’s ability to address the prevailing issues. While acknowledging the potential for a third consecutive year of grappling with challenges, he asserts a renewed mindset within the team, fostering optimism amidst adversity.
“I’ve changed my mindset,” Wolff articulated. “I don’t think that additional pressure on all of us makes it better.” Emphasizing a belief in the team’s capabilities, he underlines the collective determination to overcome obstacles and effectuate improvements.
Wolff elucidates that while on-track performance may echo prior seasons, the intricacies surrounding the W15’s dynamics present a distinct scenario. The team’s evolved understanding of the car’s concept underscores a shift in approach towards rectifying deficiencies.
“We had so many unknowns in the last year,” Wolff elaborates. “Where we started, we said, ‘Okay this could be a reason’ and ‘This could be a reason’ and ‘This could be a reason.’ And we fixed that.”
Despite persistent challenges, Wolff remains resolute, drawing from the team’s past experiences in navigating similar hurdles with earlier car iterations. He expresses confidence in the team’s problem-solving acumen and anticipates a trajectory toward improvement.
“It is a different confidence that I have in the group this time around,” Wolff affirms. “At a certain stage, you’re ticking all the boxes of the unknown, and where we are today, it’s pretty clear where it points to.”
Acknowledging the competitive landscape, Wolff acknowledges the formidable competition posed by rivals like Max Verstappen in the Red Bull camp. Nonetheless, he remains steadfast in his conviction that Mercedes will regain its competitive edge, positioning itself as a contender for podium finishes.
“Is this good enough to beat a Max in a Red Bull? No, it’s not,” Wolff concedes. “But at least bringing ourselves into a position of fighting for podiums and being right there, I’m 100% sure we are going to get there.”
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