© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Mercedes’ Technical Director James Allison says the team’s intensity ‘went up a notch’ after they realized Red Bull has surpassed them performance wise.
In 2021 Mercedes seem to have met their match in Red Bull, who have produced a car that many believe is the fastest on the grid.
The first two races of the season are a testament to that, as Lewis Hamilton narrowly won the first race in Bahrain, while Max Verstappen comfortably won the second race at Imola.
Mercedes’ James Allison says the realization that they are not the top dogs anymore has given the team new intensity.
“I think it is human nature that when you get stung, you jump around a bit more intensely than you might otherwise and we certainly don’t enjoy it,” the Briton said.
“We love the race and we love the fight but we certainly don’t love feeling second best.
“We have been doing our best to try and move our car forward to try and not suffer that sting any longer than we have to. It is nearly always pretty intense but it just goes up a notch.”
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However, Mercedes’ technical boss admits the close win in Bahrain is more satisfying that dominant wins when you are not feeling the pressure of the opposition.
“It is a different sensation from last year,” Allison explained.
“I have said internally and externally, that although last year was amazing in many ways – collectively, we produced one of the all-time great racing cars and had a season that was pretty immaculate – there were not many parts of last year that are deeply, deeply memorable.
“An easy win doesn’t linger in the mind like one that is fought for tooth and claw, like that one in Bahrain.
“Winning from a position of underdog, which we definitely were, is just a brilliant experience. You remember it forever.
“I will be boring my grandkids with this if I am ever lucky enough to have them,” concluded the Briton.
