James Allison, Mercedes Formula 1 technical director, accentuated the importance of 2024 season. He claims that next season is “doubly important” before the team shift is focus on mastering 2026 car with new regulations.
Mercedes has confirmed a design shift from ‘size-zero’ sidepods. It will bring new architecture for its next year car as the team struggled throughout this season.
The new regulatory era in 2026 disposes off expensive and complex MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat) engine. The regulations also demand a thorough change in aerodynamics of the cars.
The team will divert its research and development focus on 2026 car in 2025. Therefore, it is critical for Mercedes to produce a stunning beast for 2024. Because if offers last chance of revival for the team before it enters new regulatory era.
Allison added that it is critical for the team as it will influence future designs. Therefore, it is important for the team to hit the right spot.
- Read More:
Recently, Lewis Hamilton commented that next six moths will decide if Mercedes can return to contending championship. Allison added: “It’ll be a different car for one thing. So, we won’t be working with this one.
“[Lewis] is correct in two senses: it’s a new season; it’s important that we get off the new season on the front foot.
“But more than averagely so because with 2026 bearing down on us, that car will need to be engineered in 2025.
“It’s highly likely that the 2025 cars can be close cousins of the 2024 cars. So doubly important to get the 2024 car good.”
Allison believes that next season is dependent on the start as it will provide evidence of the progress and problems.
Based on his experience, he insists initial driver assessment of the car during pre-season testing provide clear indication how things will turn out.
He added: “Over the years, most of the good cars that I’ve been lucky enough to be around while they’ve happened, the driver gets in and doesn’t exactly say, ‘Spend your bonus’, but they more or less do.
“Unlocking potential is not really something that takes very long if the car is well born. And that will be the aim of this one.
Allison added: “It’s not particular to us but it does sharpen your focus, wanting to make sure that we have a car that gives us a good run in to 2026 as well as good championships and the fun that that brings.”
