P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff must take responsibility for the team’s decision to retain the ‘zeropod’ car concept at
The Mercedes Formula 1 team’s dominance was ended in 2022 when ground-effect machinery was reintroduced. Despite encountering the porpoising phenomenon, they retained their car’s design after a 1-2 finish in Brazil. However, the team struggled at the opening qualifying session in Bahrain, prompting Toto Wolff to abandon the original concept and launch a revised version of the car. This decision led to Mercedes having their first winless season since 2011. Criticisms were directed at Wolff for signing off on the unsuccessful car and publicly abandoning the concept. James Allison returned as Technical Director, with Mike Elliott leaving the team, in a switch orchestrated by Wolff to avoid blame for the team’s struggles. Despite the challenges, Wolff has shown strength in fighting for his team amidst recent issues with the FIA.
