Even though Mercedes is not racing at the top this season, Mike Elliott says no one is hanging their heads – Instead, motivation is greater than ever
After the difficulties in the current Formula 1 season, Mercedes is doing everything it can to iron out the problems for next season in order to be able to fight at the front again. They focused early on the development for 2023, which is why the new car is “already very far along”, as Mike Elliott reveals.
However, the Mercedes technical director admits: “It’s quite difficult to predict how much lap time you need to find. I think there have been races this year where we have been very close. In fact, in a number of races our performance was pretty decent, in others we were way off.”
“We’ve been trying to understand that and I think we understand that now. We know what we need to put right. I’m not going to give a number, obviously, because that would give too much away, but I think what we need to find is within the realms of possibility. “
Team gears up for “tough winter “
Elliott knows the team is in for a “tough winter”. “But hopefully we can get ourselves back into a position where we can fight at the front.”
In any case, there is one thing that will not fail, the technical director emphasises: the work ethic. Because what is often not seen from the outside is what the drivers also achieve behind the scenes. “Our drivers have been brilliant this year. We haven’t given them the car they need to fight,” Elliott knows.
“Especially for Lewis, the seven-time world champion, it’s been tough not being in that position, winning races every weekend and fighting for the title.” Still, he said, it is he who drives the team. “He gives us really good feedback and works hard. “
Hamilton emerges as a leader
“His work ethic hasn’t changed at all this year. He’s here until late at night, working with us and trying to get the best out of the car. That’s an encouragement to everyone else in the team when you see the effort he puts in,” he praised the Mercedes driver.
“Lewis also spoke to the factory almost a fortnight ago. He stood up and spoke to them and he was brilliant. I think a personality like Lewis is expected to lead the team properly and give it energy. In my view, that’s what we need ahead of the difficult winter.”
Hamilton’s teammate George Russell, who only joined Mercedes this season, was no less committed, he said. “It’s been really nice to see him develop,” said Elliott.
“When you sit down with a seven-time world champion and get his views in, it must be difficult at first. But I think George has played a big part in the team and he’s doing a really good job,” he also praises him.
Winning again is the biggest incentive
Russell himself describes the morale in the team as “pretty good, considering how successful the team has been and how little it is at the moment”. But that, he says, is also part of the motivation. “Because they’re not happy with where we are at the moment and obviously they want to get back on track.”
Adds Hamilton: “We always have to remember that this is a team with people who have been here for over 20 years and have won eight titles since I’ve been here and more before that. They know how to build a car that fights for the World Championship.”
“For me it’s just about supporting them as much as I can. Of course, I have to try and keep pushing everyone and make sure we leave no stone unturned so that we can fight for the positions we deserve next year. “