EXCLUSIVE: “Internally, we’re saying: ‘Let them say that’” – Mercedes boss unveils how they’re using current ‘negative narrative’ as motivation
James Allison, the specialized head of Mercedes, uncovered an alternate and hopeful methodology that the group is following as they face “negative stories” after two extreme F1 seasons.
It has been above and beyond a season since Mercedes came out on top in their last race, which has impacted their possibilities battling for the title. This occurred after the new streamlined guidelines were presented in the 2022 F1 season. Their drop in execution has been a fascinating perspective for the examiners to follow, which has accompanied a ton of analysis and “compassion,” as Allison said.
Speaking on the Performance People podcast, Allison revealed that the team has been confronting the “negative stories” intensely and utilizing them to motivate themselves.
“I think the sense that we’re all in this together and that people have written our future for us – ‘the once-great team now in decline’ – all of the negative narrative that can come around with that.”
“As long as, internally, we’re saying: ‘Let them say that.’”
Allison is hopeful about Mercedes making a rebound soon, which will be their response to all the analysis the group has confronted. He said:
“That’s their job, they’ve got to say something. But our job is to show them they’re wrong. And imagine how good that’s going to feel, when they’ve all been looking sympathetically at us – or with faux sympathy in our direction.”
“We’ll just suck that up and go: ‘Okay, right, we’re going to work on this and we’re going to come back and we’re going to show them.’”
Alongside Allison, team head Toto Wolff is likewise certain of the group getting back in the game in the 2024 season.
Mercedes boss certain of fighting Red Bull in 2024 F1 season
The Brackley-based group has been chasing after a big showdown since Lewis Hamilton lost in the last race of the 2021 season. Notwithstanding, they haven’t come close due to the new guidelines.
Their most recent victory came at the F1 Brazilian GP in 2022, when George Russell finished in first place. In the meantime, Max Verstappen prevailed in 19 of the 22 races held during the 2023 season.
Regardless of this gigantic hole, Toto Wolff is hopeful about doing combating Red Bull in 2024 with their turn of events. According to Sky Sports,
“We have a gap to the leaders. But the two teams, at Brixworth and Brackley, are so motivated.”
“We have so many good things in the pipeline, so many new things, and, with all the learning we had, [we are] really in a good place to see what’s coming together.”
Mercedes completed the 2023 season in runner up, in front of Ferrari by three after the race in Abu Dhabi. They want to “take the momentum” and make a car that can compete with the best.
