F1: Beyond The Grid

James Allison: confident of a Mercedes comeback

Jun 18, 2024

Formula 1 expert and Mercedes team principal James Allison discusses Mercedes' struggles with ground effect cars, their recent progress, and changes made to improve car performance. He also talks about personal impacts, Lewis Hamilton's performance, the readiness of 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli for F1, and more.

44:28

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James Allison

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Quick takeaways

Mercedes struggled with ground effect cars but showed improvement with podium finish in Canada.

Mercedes is focusing on developing young talent like Kimi Antonelli and ambitious power unit plans for 2026.

Deep dives

Kroger Brand Products' Winning Quality and Pricing

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Intro

2min

Challenges and Breakthroughs in Mercedes' Formula One Performance

12min

Analyzing the Value and Design of Formula 1 Car Components

3min

Discussion on Success and Fortune in Formula 1 Teams

4min

Challenges and Privileges in Formula One Teams

7min

Evolution of Relationship with Toto and Role within the Team Management

4min

Drivers' Performance and Team Dynamics in Formula One

16min

From 2014 to 2021, Mercedes dominated Formula 1 with a record eight Constructor World Championships in a row.

Since 2022 though, they have struggled to fully grasp the current ground effect cars and, as a result, have dramatically fallen down the pecking order, behind their rivals Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari.

Merc’s struggles continued at the start of 2024, but they have made progress in the last few races. George Russell’s P3 and Lewis Hamilton’s P4 in Canada secured the team’s best result of the season thus far.

So, where were they going wrong? What have they changed on the car? And are they going to be competitive for the rest of the year? Speaking to Tom Clarkson in Montreal, Mercedes Technical Director James Allison answers all those questions.

He also talks about the personal impact of the team’s struggles, why he thinks Russell is faster than Hamilton in qualifying this season, what he’ll miss about Lewis, whether 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli is ready for F1, and much more.

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F1: Beyond The Grid

James Allison: confident of a Mercedes comeback

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Kroger Brand Products' Winning Quality and Pricing

Mercedes' Struggle and Recent Progress in Formula One

Lessons from Past Success and Complacency in Formula One

Future Potential of Young Driver Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes Power Unit

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts