© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
James Allison says when drivers and the team “sense that there is a change of momentum”, they know they need to “keep this running” and “the good times and the champagne will flow again”.
Since Mercedes introduced its big upgrade in Monaco, the team has seemingly turned the corner when it comes to the performance of their car.
After a great result at the Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton said there is a new energy felt at Mercedes’ factory in Brackley, and technical director James Allison now confirms that this is true.
“I certainly loved the good result we had in Barcelona, that puts a smile on everyone’s face,” Allison said at the Canadian Grand Prix Friday press conference.
“Probably a little bit too soon to say that summer has arrived with that one swallow – but nevertheless, everybody enjoyed seeing a car that was going at a decent lick, looking after its tyres, scoring two podiums on merit.
“So, hopefully we’ve turned a bit of a corner. I think this track is going to be very different in the challenges it places on a car but I think we’re gently on the up.”
Asked what feedback the team got from Lewis and George regarding the upgrades, Allison said:
“I think they felt a bit happier under braking but there’s so much more to do to make it competitive with the front of the grid that I think the main thing people were responding to was just the pace.
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“It wasn’t… I don’t think it felt like a lovely car to be in, it was just going at a decent lick, balance was not too bad and a good return on the effort that everyone had made to bring those upgrades forward.”
Allison was then asked if Lewis finds Mercedes’ fightback as thrilling as he does.
“I don’t know, I find it really thrilling,” the Briton said.
“I think that both our drivers are very similar to the rest of the team in that if you sense that there is a change of momentum, that gives you a huge boost that you know that – keep this running, keep this running, keep this running – and the good times and the champagne will flow again.
“That is just a good feeling up and down the grid. And for the drivers, who get the sort of visceral excitement of actually feeling their car overtaking other people, that lifts their spirits.
“But I imagine when they’re actually standing on the podium and reflecting on the fact that they’re not on the top step that may temper their enthusiasm somewhat,” Allison concluded.
