The recent shift at Mercedes has raised significant concerns about the team’s long-term plans, particularly considering their ongoing difficulties with ground effect cars.
During an episode of The Chequered Flag Podcast, journalist Andrew Benson provided insights into the internal dynamics at Mercedes, as the Formula 1 team confronts significant changes.
In 2025, Mercedes will experience a major transition as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton departs for Ferrari, a move that was once considered highly unlikely.
This change prompts important questions about Mercedes’ strategies for the future, especially considering their ongoing struggles with ground effect cars.
As Mercedes grapples with these challenges and prepares for the upcoming regulation changes in 2026, team principal Toto Wolff is under pressure to evaluate whether his current team is capable of designing the next generation of Mercedes cars.
Amidst these strategic dilemmas, the idea of dismissing technical director James Allison seems unlikely.
Allison, who has an extensive career in Formula 1 spanning many years and working with several top teams, remains a vital asset.
His time at Mercedes has been marked by significant accomplishments, including contributing to multiple Constructors’ Championships and aiding Lewis Hamilton in securing his latest individual titles.
Benson emphasized the importance of Allison’s role, stating, “The problem isn’t a management issue, it’s a technical understanding issue. Toto Wolff isn’t the one designing the car; the issue lies with the car’s design.”
“Now, this brings us to the question of the technical department. Will they make changes there? Perhaps. But would they actually replace James Allison as technical director? I would be completely astonished if they did.”
“James Allison is highly respected; most people would consider him the second-best technical leader in Formula 1, just behind Adrian Newey. I think most people would find it absurd if they let go of Allison.”
Despite the internal challenges Mercedes is facing, their competitors are not sitting idly by.
McLaren, for instance, is gaining momentum, fueled by Lando Norris’s impressive performances, which include a podium finish at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Damon Hill, reflecting on Norris’s success, acknowledged McLaren’s positive trajectory and speculated on the potential impact if Adrian Newey, a highly sought-after figure renowned for his design skills in Formula 1, were to join their team.
As the Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve, teams like Mercedes and McLaren are making strategic moves both on and off the track to enhance their competitive advantage.
While Mercedes works to overcome its technical challenges, McLaren is positioning itself as a formidable contender, potentially attracting top talents like Newey to expedite their rise in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.