The Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott is trying to temper expectations that it will soon begin competing with Red Bull and Ferrari.
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Significant car improvements have been planned by the Brackley-based team for the upcoming race at Silverstone because it believes it is now making some headway in maximizing the capabilities of the W13. Although the Northamptonshire track’s flat surface may be particularly advantageous for the team, its technical director Mike Elliott is nonetheless cautious and keen to temper expectations that it may soon begin competing with Red Bull and Ferrari. After Canada, the Mercedes team stated that they will make every effort to push as hard as they can in their customary post-race video review.
The Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott is trying to temper expectations that it will soon begin competing with Red Bull and Ferrari and is continuing to be cautious. “We will be bringing new bits to Silverstone, we will be trying to push the car forward, trying to get some pace from the car we’ve got or from the package we’ve got as well as the new bits we are going to add to it.”
“I think at the same time though we have to be honest with ourselves and say that, at the moment, we are just a little bit behind those front runners in Ferrari and Red Bull. And in a normal race I think it is going to be tough.” expressed Elliott.
With modifications made at the Spanish Grand Prix, Mercedes achieved a breakthrough in resolving its porpoising issue. However, it has discovered that in order for its car to perform at its peak, it must run extremely close to the ground, which has proven problematic on uneven courses. “I think Silverstone will be a circuit that suits us a little bit better, like Barcelona did, but maybe it will be just a little bit difficult. We want to win for the team, we definitely want to win and we want to win for you, the fans, so let’s see what happens.” added Elliott.
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Toto Wolff, the team manager for Mercedes, agreed with Elliott’s assessment of the possibilities for the British Grand Prix, noting that there is still plenty to be done until the team is back where it wants to be. “Silverstone was good to us in the past and the circuit is smoother than the last three ones, but it’s not Barcelona. We should manage our own expectations and just really grind away, look at the data and come up with some sensible solutions: not only for Silverstone but going forward as well.” said Wolff.
