George Russell names vital personnel’s return behind Mercedes’ resurgence in 2024
George Russell revealed the importance of James Allison in Mercedes' massive upturn in performance in the 2024 season.
Follow Us
George Russell (via IMAGO)
Mercedes managed a massive turnaround in their performance as compared to the pace over the last few years of the ongoing ground-effect era. The team has amassed three race wins in the 2024 season and is looking hopeful of championship contention. Hence, amidst the upturn in performance, George Russell pinpointed the man behind Brackley’s resurgence.
James Allison retired from a technical director role in the 2021 season to become the chief technical officer. After this, Allison returned to the technical director role in 2023 in hopes of a performance revival for this year. George Russell believed that the British engineer’s re-involvement with the project immensely benefited the Brackley-based outfit.
I think James Allison’s re-involvement with the project has been an immense benefit for us.
George Russell told racingnews365.com
Russell noted that the talent was always visible within the team, but lacked clear leadership and direction. Hence, following the personnel change, Mercedes maximized the talent of the designers and aerodynamicists. Additionally, the Briton applauded the ‘huge’ experience that Allison had under his belt.
We’ve always had this talent within the squad, but just having that clear leadership and clear direction to maximise the talent of the designers and the aerodynamicists has been vital. The experience he’s got is huge as well, so I think that has been a big factor.
George Russell added
George Russell labeled Mercedes’ comeback as a ‘bit exaggerated’
Mercedes’ recent upturn in performance enabled the team to gain control over their position in the championship standings. However, George Russell didn’t hesitate to note that the improving pace was a bit exaggerated due to Red Bull’s massive performance slump. The Briton believed that while Mercedes went forward, Red Bull fell backward and caused a ‘big swing’ in comparison.
The upturn in performance from us and McLaren has definitely been quite a pleasant surprise, and maybe a bit exaggerated with Red Bull’s loss as well. I think we’ve moved forward and they’ve also come back, so it is a big swing, but in a normal season, a driver and team should not win every race, and this is the norm.
George Russell noted
Russell and Lewis Hamilton are extremely close to one another in the drivers’ championship standings with the latter in lead. Brackley has crushing hopes of moving up the pecking order after witnessing a steady performance from Ferrari. Regardless, the German carmaker will attempt its best to deem a great end to the 2024 season.
Stay Updated!
Aditya Pandya
(1463 Articles Published)