Mercedes: the star no longer shines

The World Champion team thanks to Jenson Button created a surprise last season, by outperforming its opponents. With subtle tactics from Ross Brawn, who had bought the Honda team, the white cars won the constructors' and drivers' titles in 2009. Mercedes, who wanted to create his own team, bought Brawn GP thinking of fighting for a title this season.

But each season has its share of surprises. With the return of Michael Schumacher in the German team, we expected to see Mercedes at the highest level. But these are the Red Bull and McLaren who stand out at mid-season. If Mercedes GP does not give up and continues to work to improve its position, the chances of returning to the fight for the title diminish as the Grands Prix progress. But Ross Brawn still seems to believe in a reversal of the situation. “ I think everyone is looking at the 2011 car, but we still have various things to see on the W01 in the upcoming races. We won't let this car go, that's for sure ».

With a gap of 107 points on leader McLaren, Mercedes should have scored double to be level with the English single-seaters. “ With the new allocation of points, continued Brawn, we are still in the race. The title remains relevant today. We are still in a position to catch up with the leaders and we will continue our efforts to become more competitive ". Does Ross Brawn believe it or does he want to maintain the illusion?

If mathematically, the title chances for Mercedes are still possible, it would take an unprecedented feat from the German team to make up for the gap now widened with the leaders. And a drop in performance from its rivals. For the moment, the best result goes to Nico Rosberg who placed twice on the lowest step of the podium. If the Drivers' Championship is still playable, Mercedes must quickly win Grands Prix. Will the development of the deflector and exhausts expected in Valencia allow Nico Rosberg or Michael Schumacher to grab the first victory of the season?

A complete ten-page investigation into the star-studded team can be found in this week's AUTOhebdo n°1758, available on newsstands from today.