Mercedes harbors several concerns: one of them is Ferrari SF-23

Mercedes is making every effort to change a negative narrative. The situation, much like Ferrari’s, is far from simple in this 2023 racing campaign. It’s a scenario that doesn’t please the top echelons of the German leadership, determined to change the fortunes of the team from the next season onwards. Meanwhile, they’re doing what they can. Technicians are working in unison to make sense of the current championship, but unfortunately, given the prevailing performance deficit, the two W14s are struggling to keep up with the leaders.

Like the rest of the competitors, there are tracks that suit the Black Arrows better. Monza, the temple of speed, considering the distinctive characteristics of the all-black cars, was not the most congenial circuit. This expectation was confirmed during the last race weekend. Nevertheless, the work carried out by the multiple championship-winning team on the Brianza track cannot and should not be labeled as disastrous.

On the contrary, it’s a testament to the endemic strength of this skilled and experienced group. Mercedes managed to optimize their resources on this course, likely achieving the utmost potential. Undoubtedly, the two penalties during the race didn’t help matters. Still, the skill of engineers and drivers in managing this context minimized the performance losses, enabling the team to reach its ultimate objective.

In this regard, Lewis Hamilton’s attitude is worth mentioning. The seven-time Formula One world champion remains a fantastic talent and continues to prove it despite his “venerable age.” He had a very solid race with a well-executed strategy. Starting on white-banded Pirellis, the reigning king efficiently managed his tires, extending the first stint as much as possible.

This approach facilitated his remarkable comeback, securing sixth place just behind his younger teammate. It’s important to highlight the gracious gesture Hamilton extended at the end of the race. As soon as he exited his car parked in parc fermé, the British driver from Stevenage immediately visited Oscar Piastri, offering his apologies to the Australian. It’s a display of great sportsmanship that reaffirms the moral character of this colossal champion.

Mercedes keeps a close eye on Ferrari
Currently, there’s a controversy brewing regarding Max Verstappen’s records. In essence, the Austrian team principal has downplayed the successes of the Dutch driver, dismissing them as meaningless statistics. It’s unfortunate that this wasn’t the sentiment when Lewis Hamilton was in the spotlight. Horner’s response defending his protege didn’t take long. However, these squabbles overshadow a more intriguing issue.

We’re referring to the regulations that will govern the future of F1 from the 2026 season. It’s a battleground where Mercedes and Red Bull are officially competing, primarily in terms of power units and aerodynamics. We discussed this important game in detail earlier today, commenting on the significant match taking place under the watchful eye of the FIA. The objective, needless to say, is to further one’s own interests, leveraging one’s political power.

But let’s return to the present and consider the results of the past weekend. Once again, it’s Monza, once again, it’s Ferrari, a topic that has occupied us considerably in recent days. The Prancing Horse displayed its best at the home Grand Prix. No one expected such a performance, not even Mercedes. The co-owner of the Brackley-based team expressed considerable surprise at the performance of the SF-23, symbolically applauding the work done by the technicians and drivers.

However, the real intent behind his words conceals the desire to outperform the red team. Mercedes currently enjoys a 45-point advantage over the Maranello-based team in the constructors’ standings. It’s an advantage they’ve built through significant effort, and they intend to maintain it. However, on this matter, there’s also some concern. Through information gathered directly within the Monza paddock, we’ve been informed that Toto Wolff harbors unease regarding the competitiveness of the SF-23.

Despite considering Monza a track favorable to Ferrari and not suitable for the W14, the ease with which the Emilian car adapted to the circuit hasn’t allowed the former Williams boss to rest easy. Toto’s experienced eye, supported by the plethora of data collected in Italy, has noticed the “ease” with which the Italian car adapted to the track. Moreover, he’s aware that the Maranello-based team has increased their understanding of the car through “cognitive tools” that should, from a setup perspective, allow the red car to always offer its best, even on tracks that are less favorable.

This is why Toto Wolff has reiterated to the media that settling for fifth and sixth places, despite giving their all, is not at all sufficient. In just over ten days, the sport will make a stop in Singapore. A track that, despite experiencing some layout changes in recent years, remains in stark contrast to Monza. It’s a context in which Mercedes seeks answers, considering that the higher downforce should favor them over Ferrari.