Why Mercedes Didn’t Gamble on a Different Strategy to Beat Red Bull at the Abu Dhabi GP
Follow Us
For a team that has redefined dominance in the modern era of F1, Mercedes weren’t at their imperious best in Abu Dhabi. For just the second time this season, none of their cars took pole in qualifying. They could not do much to trouble the Red Bull of Max Verstappen in the main race either.
For Sunday’s race, both Mercedes drivers lined up on the grid on medium tires. However, just a few laps into the race, it began to degrade. At the same time, it wasn’t providing any substantial gain per lap in comparison to the hard compounds.
Hence when the Racing Point car of Sergio Perez suffered an engine failure on lap 10, both Hamilton and Bottas were called for a double-stack pit stop.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Chief Strategist James Vowles explains the team’s decision
Explaining the decision to fit the hard compounds on both the cars, Mercedes’ James Vowles said, “Out of all the tires, there was only one that was really performing very well on the race run. And that was the hard tire; it was very durable. Our models predicted that you could nearly run them the whole race distance bar a few laps.”
“We knew that hard tire could go to the end and you’ll never make up that deficit in time that you will gain as a result of the VSC,” he added.
Trending
Fernando Alonso Delivers His Message to George Russell Following Ballistic Rant on Radio By the Mercedes Driver
March 24, 2024 10:17 AM EDT
“All Spanish Aston Martin Next Year”: Carlos Sainz Could Join Fernando Alonso in 2025 as Bad News Awaits Lance Stroll, Predicts Eddie Jordan
March 28, 2024 02:18 PM EDT
“You Are Disgusting”: Ex-GF Isa Hernaez’s ‘Vengeful’ Update Leaves Fans Pointing Fingers at Carlos Sainz
October 28, 2023 10:12 AM EDT
Lewis Hamilton Named Niall Horan’s Favorite Driver, as Former One Direction Star Revealed as F1 Fan
March 27, 2024 01:21 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner Plans to Seize Full Control of Red Bull Empire With Drinks & Racing; Position ‘Strengthened’ by the Stakeholders
March 28, 2024 01:08 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
However, it begs the question as to why the team did not split the strategies with two different cars. At least, one of them would have been among the race leaders. However, as the Chief Strategist points out, they would need to pit eventually for the mandatory stop.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On losing the lead in the race, he said, “Had we stayed out with Lewis or Valtteri, we would have been in the lead of the race. No doubt about that. But both Red Bulls would have had the edge on us. They would have been on a tire that was actually better.”
Does this signal an end to Mercedes’ dominance for next season?
No, don’t let this result deceive you. This is just a small blip in the road for a team that strives for excellence. Perhaps one can forgive them for taking their foot off the pedal with both World Championships in the bag.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Expect them to come charging again next season.