Mercedes is focusing on maintaining a consistent level of performance as they strive to challenge the dominant run of Max Verstappen from Red Bull. While Verstappen has clinched nine consecutive victories, Mercedes has emerged as a strong contender, displaying notable consistency throughout the season and aiming to close in on the championship leader.
In the competitive landscape of Formula 1, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Alpine are the only teams to have both their drivers on the podium in the 2023 season. Mercedes acknowledges the significance of maintaining this consistency as they work towards achieving their ultimate goal – dethroning Verstappen and securing race wins.
The 2022 season was marred by an inconsistent car performance for Mercedes, hampering their development efforts. Similar concerns emerged at the start of 2023 when they revealed a car design strikingly similar to its predecessor. However, a strategic shift to a B-spec design during the Monaco Grand Prix yielded promising results. This adjustment allowed Mercedes to enhance their performance incrementally, race after race.
Though they currently occupy the second position in the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes is unwavering in their pursuit of race victories. Mike Elliott, Chief Technical Officer at Mercedes, highlighted their intention to establish a strong presence at the front of the grid, competing directly with Verstappen’s Red Bull.
Elliott stated, “What we really want to do is win races. We want to have a car that is competing right at the front, particularly with Max in the Red Bull.” He also emphasized the team’s aspiration to outpace their competitors consistently and close the gap with Verstappen’s lead.
One of the most encouraging signs for Mercedes is their evolving consistency. The team has achieved a more stable performance level across races, eliminating the fluctuations that plagued them previously. Elliott commented, “What is encouraging is that we are starting to see a level of performance from the car that is consistent race to race.”
Regarding upgrades, Elliott assured that Mercedes has more enhancements in the pipeline. “We’ve got a few more bits to bring over the course of the next few races,” he explained. The recent Zandvoort upgrade demonstrated the team’s capability to meet expectations, reinforcing their dedication to refining performance. Additionally, Mercedes aims to capitalize on optimization opportunities, exploring setup adjustments to extract the last ounce of performance from the car.
As the season unfolds, Mercedes remains committed to their pursuit of victory. While acknowledging the challenges posed by Verstappen’s impressive streak, the team’s focus on consistency and continuous improvements underscores their determination to narrow the gap and stake their claim as frontrunners in the championship race.
