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Is it the end of an era for Mercedes?
This year, Red Bull threatens to end Mercedes’ domination like never before. The Austrian team won the last five races on the calendar while Mercedes found out the real first moment of crisis. Let’s find out the reasons for this unsuccessful period.
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In Formula 1, all teams aspire to win and lay the foundations of domination that could last for many years. It was like this for McLaren, for Ferrari, for Williams and Red Bull. But since the 2014th season, Mercedes has started its time, with the Stuttgart-based manufacturer able to win seven drivers’ championships and World Constructors’ Championship as well in a row. Since the end of last year, some imperceptible crunches have begun. But never as in this season, the Mercedes’ era is likely to end up under the blows of the Red Bull team now on par or maybe more potent than the Silver Arrows. The last two races in Austria are the clearest example of the German team crisis.
It is a very, very tricky decision because we have new regulations not only for next year but for the years to come, a completely different car concept. And you’ve got to choose the right balance, and pretty much everybody’s going to be on next year’s car.
Verstappen and Red Bull won both races in Zeltweg without any problems making their leadership stronger in drivers’ standing. In comparison, Lewis and Valtteri complained about the lack of race pace and poor handling of their cars. The reason why Mercedes is showing this lack of speed reflects throughout Toto Wolff’s words: “It is a very, very tricky decision because we have new regulations not only for next year but for the years to come, a completely different car concept. And you’ve got to choose the right balance, and pretty much everybody’s going to be on next year’s car.”
LE CASTELLET, FRANCE – JUNE 20: Race winner Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and third placed Sergio Perez of Mexico and Red Bull Racing celebrate with Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and their team in the Paddock after the F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard on June 20, 2021 in Le Castellet, France. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
In short, there will be no significant and forthcoming upgrades on this year’s machine. Also, Lewis admitted that this period is so challenging for Mercedes, declaring: “Naturally we would love to have upgrades and improvements, but I don’t think that’s currently on the cards.”
We know Toto loves to throw the light somewhere else. I cannot believe they’ll go through the rest of this year without putting a single component on the car. All we can do is focus on our job. It’s a balancing act between this year and next year, but if that means we’ve got to work a bit harder, we’re fully up for it.
Despite Red Bull winning the last five races, Christian Horner doesn’t believe that Mercedes will not upgrade the car until the end of the season and says: “We know Toto loves to throw the light somewhere else. I cannot believe they’ll go through the rest of this year without putting a single component on the car. All we can do is focus on our job. It’s a balancing act between this year and next year, but if that means we’ve got to work a bit harder, we’re fully up for it.”
The last races showed Red Bull can now beat Mercedes, but we are sure that Silver Arrows and, above all, Lewis will not give up so easily. So the hunt for the championship is still opened and so exciting. Let’s find out what the rest of the season will show between these two outstanding contenders.
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