James Vowles Explains Why Austrian GP is an ‘Opportunity’ for Mercedes to Overturn F1 Fortunes

Red Bull beat Mercedes comprehensively at the Styrian Grand Prix. As Max Verstappen started from pole position and won the race with a margin of over 35 seconds from Lewis Hamilton. The German team had no answers for the pace showed by the home team on Sunday.

Mercedes are currently in their worst form since the beginning of the Turbo-Hybrid era. The 7-time constructors’ champions have lost 4 consecutive races to the Austrian team. They are clearly on the back foot going into the Austrian Grand Prix.

But Mercedes Chief Strategist James Vowles seemed optimistic and mentioned that the weekend could present new opportunities for the German team.

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There are enough changes that are an opportunity for us: Vowles

As reported by Motorsport-total, Mercedes Chief Strategist mentioned that changes for the Austrian Grand Prix will present new opportunities for the German team. Pirelli have gone a step softer for Austria, which makes tire preservation even tougher for the teams.

Vowles stated that the condition for the Austrian Grand Prix will differ from the Styrian Grand Prix. “You can say that Austria will not necessarily produce the same result.

There are enough differences and changes that are an opportunity for us.” said the Mercedes Chief Strategist.

Vowles concluded by stating reasons for Lewis’s loss to Max at Styria,” Lewis went full throttle for the entire second stint. And we just fell behind because we didn’t have the pace to keep up and push like that.”

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Austrian GP critical for Mercedes before the summer break

Mercedes need to win the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend to stay in the championship in 2021. They cannot afford any more slip-ups right now as Red Bull could extend the lead from the German team.

The next couple of races are crucial for Mercedes. They need to gather momentum going into the summer break and stay on the front foot to challenge Red Bull.

What do you think? Can Mercedes win at Austria? comment below to let us know.