Mercedes technical team no longer ‘strong enough’, says ex-CEO

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Ex-Mercedes F1 team chief executive Nick Fry believes that the former championship winning outfit no longer has a technical department strong enough to take on and defeat its major rival Red Bull.

Fry, who managed the BAR and Honda works outfits from 2002 to 2008 before spearheading the successful efforts of Brawn GP alongside Ross Brawn, remained with the Brackley squad following its acquisition by Mercedes ahead of the 2010 F1 season.

He remained the team’s CEO until 2013 and the arrival of current team boss Toto Wolff who guided Mercedes to an unprecedented eight consecutive Constructors’ championship.

However, the once dominant entity has struggled to adapt to F1’s ground effect regulations introduced in 2022.

Early last season, the team was forced to abandon its bold ‘zero sidepod’ approach and revert to a more conventional design that helped it claim the runner-up spot in the championship behind

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Mercedes is now working tirelessly to boost its fortunes and recoup its leading position at the head of the grid.

But Fry is skeptical of his former outfit’s ability to bridge the gap to Red Bull, let alone surpass the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Former Mercedes F1 CEO Nick Fry.

“I'm sorry to say this, but I don't see the technical team as strong enough at my former team, Mercedes,” Fry told website OLBG.

“Competing with Adrian Newey's team is a tall order. They're a great team of people, but they've fallen so far behind by taking a different technical route.

“The rate of improvement is significant year upon year, but spending a year or two with a different concept that doesn't work results in trouble.

“It's easy to say that in hindsight, but they're learning what the likes of Red Bull learned a long time ago. It's difficult to catch up.

“I'm sure they'll be good, but I'm not sure if they'll be exceptional. I can't see Mercedes consistently beating Red Bull.

“It's hard for me to admit as I have such a deep attachment to them, but I think it's going to be difficult this year.”

On the other hand, Fry believes that Ferrari will be able to give the bulls a run for their money.

“I think Ferrari will continue to improve,” he explained.

“Fred Vasseur is very experienced as a team leader, and I think he'll provide the air cover from the pressures of the Italian media.

“I think he'll do a good job with that and keep the team calm. You have to be fairly unemotional.

“Ferrari would be my favourites to push Red Bull.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.