SUMMARY
- Mercedes going for a new concept for the 2024 season.
- James Allison says that the W14's problems were not limited to the sidepods.
After the 2021 season ended, the FIA introduced some major regulation changes to the cars. While some teams were able to benefit from these changes, Mercedes was one of those who couldn’t. Until the 2021 season, the German team was clearly one of the best cars out there. Since then, Red Bull has taken over and has dominated the last 2 years in F1.
In 2022, Mercedes tried out a new concept which was referred to as the zero-sidepod concept. However, they decided to scrap this idea in 2023. But James Allison, thinks that the problems of the W13 and W14 were not limited to just the sidepods.
Mercedes W14 problems were not limited to the sidepods
Earlier this year, it was announced that James Allison would go back to the role of Technical Director. In 2020, he decided to put back his hours and swapped roles with Mike Elliot. But Toto Wolff has decided to bring back James to his old position.
Since bringing James back to his role, the team has decided to go for an entirely new concept for the W15 which will be on the track in 2024. During a recent interview, Allison spoke about the decision to go for a new concept and not just limit their changes to a particular part.
In James Allison we trust 🙏 pic.twitter.com/YbYXL0WULU
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) December 21, 2023
“I don’t see the world as you see it – who looks at the side and decides it’s a concept with our car. We certainly took a path that, from the tip of the nose to the tail, was not competitive,” he told Sky F1.
“What caught the eye obviously were the sides, but it was certainly not a decisive factor. The concept was wrong from start to finish, and the sidepods are perhaps the emblem of a team that took too long to understand which side they were on.
“But they are absolutely not the element that sealed our destiny.”
Since the sidepods were the most visible attribute of the Mercedes, most assumed that the team’s issues were that. However, James has now understood that the car has issues from top to bottom. Hence, a new concept will be ideal for the 2024 season.
Will the new W15 help Lewis Hamilton win a Championship?
Going for a new concept is a bold move for Mercedes. There are only 2 more years before the FIA introduces its next major regulation change. So if Mercedes is willing to use their resources on a completely new car, it means they have confidence that they can win a Championship before the 2026 season.
Given that Mercedes are not looking to stay outside the Championship fight, it is very much possible that Lewis Hamilton will be able to fight for the Championship soon. However, it might not be with the W15. Even if Mercedes gets the base concept right, it will take them some time to develop their car even further.
During the winter break, they will not be able to determine the pace of the car when compared to the other teams. They will only be able to do so once the 2024 season takes off. They will also be able to understand the true potential of the car once the cars are back on track.
🚨Mercedes will reveal the W15 on the 14th of February!!
[@Motorsport_IT] pic.twitter.com/lpcp0c7ssh
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) December 27, 2023
So if Lewis Hamilton is not able to challenge for the Championship with the W15, he could be able to do so with the W16 which will be in 2025. After that, the FIA will implement their new regulations for the 2026 season which could shuffle the order of the grid a bit.
We will now have to wait until February 21st to understand which cars will be Championship contenders in the 2024 season. Do you think Mercedes’ new concept for the W15 will be able to fight Max Verstappen and Red Bull for race wins? Post your answers in the comments section below.