Mercedes’ James Allison embraces the fight to dethrone Red Bull’s dominance

Mercedes tech chief James Allison believes a changed mindset is key to chasing down former rivals Red Bull.

Mercedes’ James Allison embraces the fight to dethrone Red Bull’s dominance

Mercedes Tech Chief James Allison (Image credit: F1)

After dominating most of the 2010’s era, it’s no secret that Mercedes has taken a huge hit in terms of form. From winning nine races in 2021, the Silver Arrows have only emerged victorious in one race in the last two seasons. In Mercedes’ absence, Red Bull has proved to be a commanding force in Formula One now.

Although this drop in performance may be disheartening to many Mercedes employees, Tech Chief James Allison has a completely different perspective. According to Autosport, Allison mentioned that the team would be annoyed about not being competitive. Still, the thrill of fighting back and improving our car each week outweighs unhappiness when they win.

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Allison also stated that the leading team does not possess an inherent right and has earned its position through hard work. He also noted that the team finds it exciting and enjoyable to strive for an equal or better performance to secure the lead.

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“We’re all going to feel a bit miffed about [not being competitive]. They don’t have a God-given right to be in the lead; they’re there by merit, having worked really well,” he further continued. “It’s a very, very exhilarating thought once you frame it correctly in your head and something that we’re all tucked into trying to make a reality,” James Allison said.

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James Allison believes Mercedes’ failure to deliver race wins takes a toll on drivers

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (Image credit: GP fans)

After introducing new rules in Formula One in 2022, Mercedes have not looked race-win-worthy. George Russell clenched the last victory for Mercedes at Interlagos in 2022—Lewis Hamilton’s record of winning a race in every year of his career ended last year. James Allison reckons that although the team is getting podiums, both the drivers will eagerly await a win.

Allison mentioned that the drivers experience a kind of exhilaration when they physically feel their car overtaking others, which greatly uplifts their morale. However, he also said that standing on the podium, realizing they haven’t secured the top position, may dampen their enthusiasm somewhat.

“Drivers, who get the sort of visceral excitement of actually feeling their car overtaking other people, that lifts their spirits,” he said. “But I imagine when they’re actually standing on the podium and reflecting on the fact that they’re not on the top step that may temper their enthusiasm somewhat,” James concluded.

After a lean start to the season, Mercedes is finally progressing in getting regular podiums. After beating Aston Martin, the Brackley team is currently P2 in the constructors’ standings. So far, Lewis Hamilton has stood on the podium thrice, whereas George Russell has secured one podium.

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