Total-Motorsport.com examines Haas’ prospects for the upcoming 2024 Formula 1 season.
Mercedes enters 2024 aware that it will be their final season with Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1, and they are eager to return to their winning ways. In 2023, they experienced their first winless season in 12 years, with Hamilton and George Russell frequently battling on the track. James Alisson has resumed his role as technical director, while Toto Wolff remains as team principal, both signing new contracts in January. Total-Motorsport.com reporters Adam Dickinson, Jasmine Hughes, Joe Krishnan, Ed Spencer, and Brandon Sutton analyze Mercedes’ outlook for 2024.
There has been much discussion about Mercedes’ new direction for 2024, following two unsuccessful years. However, I question whether they have the necessary talent behind the scenes to truly succeed under the new regulations. Their inability to accurately predict their performance from circuit to circuit in 2023 suggests they still have work to do in terms of modeling and simulations. Additionally, the team’s operational errors over the past three seasons, including Hamilton’s costly disqualification at the United States GP, raise concerns. Until Mercedes can address these issues, it is difficult to envision them consistently challenging Red Bull. Furthermore, Ferrari should not be underestimated in the fight for the front of the grid. While I expect Mercedes to finish in the top three, McLaren and Aston Martin will also pose a threat.
Prediction for Constructors’ Championship: 3rd
With only one win in the past two seasons, a star driver departing for Ferrari, and an uncertain future, it is safe to say that the Mercedes era is coming to an end. Their persistence with the unsuccessful ‘no’ sidepod concept has put them at a disadvantage, and even though they have abandoned this concept, immediate improvements should not be expected. Russell must elevate his performance after a lackluster 2023 season marred by numerous mistakes. With Hamilton leaving, Russell needs to prove to Wolff why he should lead Mercedes’ new era. As for Hamilton, his final season with Mercedes is bound to be emotional, and he will undoubtedly give his all in the W15 in pursuit of one more title.
Prediction for Constructors’ Championship: 5th
The news of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari undoubtedly threw a wrench into Mercedes’ plans for a title challenge. It will be an awkward season for all involved. Positive reports about the W15 aside, the departure of their top driver to a direct rival does not bode well for projected success. One wonders if Hamilton, at 39 years old, saw the writing on the wall and decided he could not bear being consistently slower than Max Verstappen. Russell has a tremendous opportunity to establish himself as Mercedes’ new number one driver, but there are doubts. His performance in 2023, with only two podium finishes and 100 fewer points than the previous year, is cause for concern. McLaren and Aston Martin have shown that they can outpace Mercedes on certain occasions, making it a challenging season for Wolff’s team. The prospect of Mercedes falling to fourth or even fifth place, as Ferrari did in 2020, cannot be dismissed.
Prediction for Constructors’ Championship: 3rd
Mercedes seems to be adopting a completely different approach to their car this year as they attempt to bounce back from two disappointing seasons. The team will likely have taken their drivers’ complaints into consideration, which could result in a stronger Mercedes. However, as they switch to a new concept, there is no guarantee that this will translate into on-track success. With Hamilton’s impending departure, Mercedes will start focusing on Russell as their team leader. We might see favorable strategies being deployed to benefit Russell, as Mercedes looks to him to lead the team into the future. The competition with McLaren and Ferrari will be fierce, and Mercedes’ rivals may have the upper hand this year as they continue to search for a winning car concept.
Prediction for Constructors’ Championship: 4th
With the return of gifted technical designer Allison, Mercedes is poised to make an exciting comeback in 2024. They have completely distanced themselves from their previous cars, making them a wildcard in the upcoming season. Could they find enough speed with a new idea to catch up to Red Bull’s Verstappen over one winter? It may be unlikely, but we can dream. Allison was responsible for the dominant Mercedes cars of 2019 and 2020, which won a total of 28 races across those two seasons. This sets Mercedes apart from Mike Elliott’s reign, characterized by poor design and a lack of correlation between computer simulations and on-track performance. With Hamilton, a seven-time drivers’ champion, and Russell, a Grand Prix winner, as their drivers, Mercedes needs no introduction. Hamilton is going for a record-breaking eighth title, while Russell aims to make a statement as he prepares to inherit the team in 2025. While victories are within reach, championships may still be a step too far for now.
Prediction for Constructors’ Championship: 2nd
According to the Source total-motorsport.com