Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok believes Mercedes are in a “barely odd scenario” heading into the 2025 season.
Mercedes have did not combat constantly for race wins for the reason that floor impact guidelines had been launched at the beginning of 2022.
Final yr, Mercedes endured an inconsistent stage of efficiency.
They dominated the Las Vegas Grand Prix as George Russell dominated from the entrance, however they had been the fourth-fastest workforce for a lot of the season.
With the principles remaining steady over the winter, it stays to be seen whether or not Mercedes can lastly get on prime of the principles.
Chandhok admitted that Mercedes had been one of many largest disappointments of final yr.
Reflecting on their efficiency, Chandhok mentioned on the Evo India podcast: “That’s been one of many frustrations to be sincere. To be sincere, they had been the large disappointment of 2024.
“I feel it was Canada the place we thought they’d made an enormous step ahead as George certified nicely, but it surely by no means occurred. We went to Vegas, it’s freezing chilly and impulsively they’re simply smashing the opposition. George might have gained that race by 30 seconds if he wished to. It’s simply complicated.
“They’re confused. That’s the one factor they saved saying after the race. They’d no thought why they’d gained it. Hear, the core individuals who gained these seven world championships in a row are nonetheless there. They’re not idiots. However for no matter motive, they haven’t received a deal with of this set of rules.”
Mercedes’ dilemma for 2025
Mercedes have a serious dilemma in 2025.
With the brand new guidelines coming subsequent yr – fully new engines and chassis design – some groups would possibly surrender on 2025 early to concentrate on the brand new guidelines.
Mercedes might be a kind of groups, given their current struggles.
Chandhok added: “They’re in a barely odd scenario. They’re at a fork within the street. How a lot do you concentrate on 2025 and attempt to get some outcomes out of it?
“Or do you simply say let’s settle for we’ve not received on prime of those guidelines and get on to 2026 – totally concentrate on that.”
