‘Inexcusable performance’ | How bad is Mercedes' W14?

Matt Baker is joined this week by Sky Sports F1's Naomi Schiff and Damon Hill.

They discuss why Mercedes is still struggling with the W14 after Toto Wolff believed Brazil was his 'worst weekend in 13 years'.

They also debate if Fernando Alonso's thrilling finish in Brazil was his best career drive ever after a masterclass of a defence against Sergio Perez.

Finally, they turn their attention to Las Vegas and question could the cold weather throw a spanner in the works?

**Key Takeaways:**

- Toto Wolff expressed disappointment with Mercedes' performance in Brazil, calling it his "worst weekend in 13 years."
- Naomi Schiff and Damon Hill discussed the team's struggles, suggesting that the W14 may be operating outside its optimal setup window.
- The podcast highlighted Fernando Alonso's masterful defense against Sergio Perez, sparking debate about whether it was his best career drive.
- The upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix was mentioned, with questions raised about the impact of cold weather on the race.

**Mercedes' Challenges:**

- Mercedes endured a difficult weekend in Brazil, with Lewis Hamilton finishing 8th and George Russell retiring due to an engine failure.
- Toto Wolff expressed strong dissatisfaction, describing the team's performance as "totally baffling and unacceptable."
- Naomi Schiff suggested that Mercedes may have erred in their setup direction during the sprint weekend, leading to tire issues and lack of pace.
- Damon Hill emphasized the importance of finding the correct setup window for the W14, acknowledging the fickle nature of these new-generation Formula One cars.

**Fernando Alonso's Heroics:**

- Fernando Alonso's spirited defense against Sergio Perez in the closing laps of the race was widely praised.
- The podcast debated whether this was Alonso's best career drive, considering his exceptional skill and experience.
- Damon Hill highlighted the significance of Alonso's tactics in keeping Perez behind, despite the limitations of the Aston Martin.

**Las Vegas Grand Prix:**

- The upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix was briefly mentioned, with speculation about the potential impact of cold weather on the race.
- The podcast acknowledged the excitement surrounding the Las Vegas event, emphasizing its unique atmosphere and the challenges it may present to the teams.

**Overall:**

The podcast provided insightful analysis of Mercedes' struggles in Brazil, exploring potential reasons for their poor performance. The discussion surrounding Fernando Alonso's heroics highlighted his exceptional driving skills and the significance of his defensive tactics. The mention of the Las Vegas Grand Prix added a forward-looking perspective to the episode.


## Key Points:

- The Mercedes team is still struggling with the W14 car, leading to Toto Wolff describing the Brazilian Grand Prix as his "worst weekend in 13 years."

- Fernando Alonso's thrilling defense against Sergio Perez in Brazil sparked a debate on whether it was his best career drive.

- Aston Martin had a positive weekend with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finishing in the top five.

- The Las Vegas Grand Prix is generating excitement, but concerns about the cold weather conditions and its impact on the race are being raised.

- The race in Las Vegas will be a new track for all teams, creating a level playing field and potentially leading to unpredictable outcomes.

- The unique schedule of the Las Vegas race, with qualifying at midnight and the race at 10 pm local time, poses challenges for drivers and teams in terms of their sleep and preparation.

## Main Discussion Points:

### Fernando Alonso's Performance in Brazil:

- Fernando Alonso's skillful defense against Sergio Perez in the closing laps of the Brazilian Grand Prix was a highlight of the race.

- The discussion centers around whether this was Alonso's best career drive, considering his strategic thinking and ability to maintain closeness to Perez.

- Naomi Schiff highlights Alonso's cunning tactics, emphasizing his ability to predict the DRS zones and use them to his advantage.

- Damon Hill agrees that Alonso's performance was impressive, showcasing his experience and skill as a racing driver.

### Aston Martin's Positive Weekend:

- Aston Martin had a strong weekend in Brazil, with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finishing in the top five.

- The team's turnaround in performance, after a series of disappointing results, is attributed to their ability to identify and address issues with the car.

- Mike Krack's leadership is praised for fostering a positive approach and encouraging the team to learn from their mistakes.

### Mercedes' Ongoing Struggles:

- Mercedes continues to face difficulties with the W14 car, lacking the understanding and solutions to fix its problems.

- The team's inability to consistently develop and implement effective upgrades has hindered their progress.

- Naomi Schiff suggests that Mercedes is not the only team facing these challenges, but their recent struggles have been more pronounced.

### Las Vegas Grand Prix: Excitement and Concerns:

- The upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix is highly anticipated, marking the return of Formula One to the city after a long absence.

- The race will take place on a new street circuit, creating a level playing field for all teams.

- However, concerns are raised about the cold weather conditions expected during the race, which could impact tire performance and overall racing dynamics.

- The unique schedule of the race, with qualifying at midnight and the race at 10 pm local time, poses challenges for drivers and teams in terms of their sleep and preparation.

- The podcast concludes with anticipation for the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the potential for exciting and unpredictable outcomes.