The Rise & Fall of an Empire

Thank you for watching!
Mercedes is one of the most historic and successful motorsport franchises in history. They've been through the gauntlet in Formula 1, and in today's video I wanted to dig into the specifics of what made Mercedes so successful in the first place and what caused their downfall.
The story of Mercedes in Formula 1 begins way back in the early days of the sport, and it's had a lot of ups and downs since then. Once they purchased a majority stake in the Brawn GP team after the 2009 Formula 1 season, they would have a moderately successful few years as they finished off the V8 era. Going into the new V6 regulations in 2014, Mercedes hit the mark better than anyone else and baked in an engine advantage that would lead to eight back to back championships.
But lately, they're nowhere... Relatively. Where did it all go wrong for Mercedes AMG Petronas during the ground effect era of Formula 1 that we find ourselves in?
Music: Epidemic sounds
Follow me on Twitter! @JommyJonny

[@richardf.4023]

They at least tried a different approach with the W13. But seeing it fail, trying it again only to see it fail again was stupid. Now they have the right concept but they are 2 years behind...

[@GloomGaiGar]

The "right" concept that they still have zero understanding of and requiring seemingly random huge setup changes between sessions to find that tiny atom of pace. If that's their idea of a "right" concept then they are well and truly f*cked.

[@sleqit]

I want to say that the w14 was a pretty competitive car. And it looks like the concept could be completed, since at the end of 2023 Mercedes was the second car in Peliton.

[@-._.-._.-Sully-._.-._.-]

Honestly I think they should’ve stuck with the zero pod design and put the anti-dive suspension from the W15 on it as well as focus on improving the floor. The side pods were never really their issue as they had spent so much time working around the inherent compromises the design brought with it. The new minimum ride height regulation brought on 2023 really hurt that design though and they would’ve been better off just finding a solution their porpoising (which they did but it was too late). That car showed immense pace if they were able to run it low enough.

[@coopersieb1391]

i dont think they have the right concept. The w14 was way more competitive than the W15 is and the current red bull is very similar to the old W14

[@manuelie]

I don’t fully think that it was stupid event losing i was happy to see us fight for the 2 and 3 places and being the only team in a different path Like it’s an engineering world and they did innovate that’s the point of the sports, to bad they didn’t develop it more they could have found the flaws and find the solutions

[@ilnoct]

everything has to come to an end. everything besides Fernando Alonso

[@MelissaCruz23]

This.is.life.

[@TheBiologicalGamer]

fernando rookie of the year

[@306_cstm]

Mercedes' default strategy was always to just have lewis run long on the hardest tire. It was the safest lowest risk strategy for a car that had such a crazy pace advantage. Meanwhile in 2014-2020 you had red bull who would usually roll the dice on strategy, opting to go aggressive to maybe snatch a win away from mercedes here and there. Then come 2021 when red bull finally found some pace in their car, mercedes was caught with their pants down. High risk was just simply not in their vocabulary. The US grand prix that year was a prime example of red bull out-strategy-ing mercedes with a car that wasn't as fast.

[@berkhanogulcanakcay7336]

We saw that in Abu Dhabi 2021 as well. Merc team didn’t pit Lewis during the last VSC, although they had the opportunity to keep track position even if Max didn’t pit. The gap was I think 18secs where you only lost 14secs under a VSC pit stop.

[@sidharthtirkey44]

RB 16B was as fast as the W12 . RB 16B was very mighty on slow speed corners . W12 was faster on high speed corners . I don't know how you can conclude that the W12 was faster than RB 16B .

[@sidharthtirkey44]

​@@berkhanogulcanakcay7336 Normally , The race would have stopped under a safety car . Didn't FIA state Masi's action as " HUMAN ERROR " ?

[@306_cstm]

@@sidharthtirkey44 they traded punches all season long. Mercedes had better race pace at the USGP but red bull was able to get them on race strategy.

[@berkhanogulcanakcay7336]

​@@sidharthtirkey44 Well, no. The track had been cleared by lap 56 of 58, indicating it was safe to resume racing. However, a decision was made to delay the restart until lap 57. The FIA had to say something for the issue, so they ran Michael Masi under the bus and said he did a human error, and fired him. The controversial aspect arose when it was initially decided that lapped cars would not be allowed to overtake, which was later reversed. However, due to the limited time remaining before the restart, only the cars between the race leaders were permitted to overtake. This decision led to further debate. The initial decision not to allow lapped cars to overtake was the primary point of contention and to me that was the "human error". This decision caused controversy and required a reversal, resulting in further complications and time lost before the race restart. However, the only thing that matters here is Mercedes' lack of strategic calls all season long, and their strategy problems surfaced when there's a rival with a fast car. Before 2021, they never had stiff competition for years in the hybrid era. Once a rival comes with a quick car, their pit wall was obliterated. The decision not calling Hamilton to the pits under VSC was the decision that cost Hamilton the world championship.

[@MrEo89]

I think it’s also important to mention how the FIA nerfed the rear floor of the 2021 package that hurt the merc more than any other manufacturer. That’s what allowed RB to close up and put verstappen right.on.their.ass. IYKYK.

[@gelmir7322]

It was Pirelli who pushed that change because the ridiculous downforce of the cars was straining the tyres considerably. And FIA acted on it because of the safery concern. Nobody really knew who will be affected by it. Many experts pointed out that Red Bull with their high rake design would suffer the most. And Red Bull themselves anticipated such affect that they started early trying to resolve the potential problems. Also considering how Mercedes won the 3 of the first four races (Lewis could have won in Imola too if it weren't for him making a mistake - and it was a very dominant recovery by the way) goes to show that effects of the floor change was marginal. The problem for Mercedes back then was they became complacent, forfeiting to developed the car and decided to focus on 2022 car, while Red Bull brought upgrades whenever they can.

[@southerncomfort1339]

Bro the FIA are very smart! They knew if they took a chunk out of the Floor it can't be fixed over 1 season!! The maFIA didn't want SLH too overtake Shumi 7WDC!! It's obvious!! MADMAX should have gotten sooo many 5sec penalties for "Driving SLH" off the track!! Especially in those last few races!! The BRAKE CHECK was very atrocious!!!!! MADMAX plan of "Intimidating" Mercedes work to perfection since SLH was really afraid to drive "RUDE" like MADMAX!!! In Adu Dubai 2021 Mercedes should have NEVER cover MADMAX in than first pit stop!! SLH should have stayed out for another 10 or so laps!! But they were afraid to put SLH behind MADMAX!!

[@defnotatroll]

@@gelmir7322 i remember that. the engineering side of f1 is so complex and us spectators are mere casuals

[@KainedbutAble123]

A super detailed history, really glad I found your account!

[@YLFNFB]

Well the "small company" PETRONAS was and still headquartered in THE tallest twin tower in the world, and PETRONAS joined F1 waaaaay back, sponsoring Sauber alongside Red Bull

[@BotsWeekendCovers]

Extremely well done video. Glad it was recommended and you earned my sub bud!!!!

[@piuthemagicman]

This needs more views! 🥺 5/5 content, your presentation game is on point. Best non-mainstream F1 content for sure.

[@udithaumesh]

Amazing video! Nice production and story telling. I subscribed!

[@f1o18iwi9]

glad to see this channel grow. cheers bro, nice videos :)

[@defnotatroll]

I'm not writing them off just yet, as a ferrari fan I watched them repeatedly bounce back from setbacks and it taught me to fear them. They are still a great team and they will be back winning soon

[@matteo4413]

Subscribed, great video!

[@andrewfayi9448]

It’s sad but if they hire me I can bring them back! I’ve proven it in f1 manager 23 and cannot wait to do it in f1 manager 24:))))

[@akhiarr]

so much underrated as a f1 channel.... you got yourself a proper sub from me...

[@Jay_The_Cat]

You summed it up pretty well, Jonny. 💪 However, I would stop short of saying this is Mercedes' downfall - at least for the moment. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and say this is just the natural ebb and flow of the sport. I highly doubt Big Toto would let the team slip in the same manner Williams did, with facilities 20 years out of date, etc. 💀

[@ichtus101]

Great explanation! Really makes the ''downfall'' easy to understand.

[@CertifiedSlamboy]

"Everyone has a target on their back next year" lol

[@erickrasniewski567]

Toto was talking from Hubris

[@snake5305]

I laughed when Russell said in one week: "we know where the problem is with the lack of downforce," and then in the next week said: "we know where the problem is with the bouncing." Well, Georgey boy, the bouncing is caused by the massive downforce. So, basically, you said that you have no idea where the problem is.

[@rin4566]

I don’t know if you know about donut media, but you have a vibe similar to Up To Speed except less jokes and straight history, keep it up man this is great 🔥

[@samkelo27]

The jokes on donut are really hit or miss imo

[@polo424242]

Thank you for saying the W13 was a beautiful car. I've saying this for ages but people only see the results but not the artwork that the car was. It looked like a fighter jet with wheels. The colour combined with Lewis's yellow highlights was chefs kiss

[@awsomesauce345345]

Bro. Great video. A very different and analytical perspective as to why Mercedes are behind. Thank you!

[@Jean.P.Cartier]

Mercedes is so bad both customers team is beating it as a McLaren fan is a breath of fresh air

[@YouTube2021FM]

Ferrari is doing well because they have the strongest engine - Ferrari’s expertise has never been overwhelmingly aero

[@hihihi922]

You earned a sub with your knowledge of the engineering and cars. Better than your average F1 KZbinr with the same generic commentary

[@mb16249]

At least they’re the most profitable team. That’s what Horner said they are more focused on marketing than technical.

[@Roooooooster98]

Oh I wanted it to end, and I’m glad it’s my favorite manufacturer that came out on top! #Honda

[@GloomGaiGar]

So you're absolutely not bored yet and celebrate every win like the 2021 championship?

[@Roooooooster98]

@@GloomGaiGar Of course I’m bored. However I’d rather be bored watching Honda win than bored watching Mercedes win.

[@pocoloco-sr1cu]

​@@GloomGaiGar He waited 2014-2021 to see Mercedes stop winning the constructor's title year after year while winning more than 70% of the races. Let him be

[@Real_Shawn]

​@@Roooooooster98get lost

[@DonLee1980]

I couldn’t care less to see Mercedes win again. What about Williams? McLaren? Aston? Sauber?

[@TariqHlayel]

Can’t wait to see what Audi does when they take over sauber

[@flintey360]

You clearly like mid loser

[@shadeburst]

3:03 Switzerland banned circuit racing only. Hillclimb and autotest are well active in Switzerland. The circuit racing ban has been lifted to allow eracing.

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Good video

[@xxepic_gamer69xx36]

As a fan of both F1 and American sports (Basketball, football) stuff like this happens a lot, I am definitely not a fan of Mercedes but I wouldn’t mind seeing them comeback especially in the post-Hamilton time period

[@tcfan008]

Great video

[@NicotineRosberg]

Earned a sub bud. Nice to hear an American that doesn't make me cringe And u basically said what every fan with a brain knows. All facts. I

[@SlimSavageBlanco]

I speak for all Americans when I say 🖕. Have a great day.

[@gafowaty671]

4:28 that was not first time in brand's history. Fangio even won title in mercedes back in the 50's

[@singular9]

The funny thing is that the zero pod W13 was the right way to go the whole time. Seeing where aero development is moving on the RB/Ferrari side 2 years later, mercedes had the best upper aero, but they had no idea how to make a suspension and floor. When the W13 got its new floor, it was really, really fast, but only on smooth tracks. So in the W15 the chassis is all new, using the upgraded w13 floor, with w14 sidepods. They had it right, they simply didn't have the engineers to fix it. The design wasn't ridiculous, it was just ahead of its time. In 2026, watch RB of Ferrari bring a zero pod car. They will. You heard it here first.

[@disgruntleddev]

I just got into F1 and I’m having your feeling of Lewis and Mercedes with Max and Red Bull right now. 😂

[@soleneptune9498]

Sameeeee I wanted redbull to win so bad now I’m waiting for Ferrari or McLaren 😭😭😭😭😭

[@mb16249]

Your wish will come true 🔜.

[@sleqit]

I want to say that the w14 was a pretty competitive car. And it looks like the concept could be completed, since at the end of 2023 Mercedes was the second car in Peliton.

[@implyingishygddt9312]

thank you

[@Icy_Cream94]

Dude, do a video on what happened to Alpine/Renault, they always had been a solid mid-front team, and now they are just fighting on the back with Sauber and Haas. There's also rumours about them leaving F1.

[@GloomGaiGar]

Simple. They are French or more accurately owned by the French government.

[@jathiyakhan720]

Tbh i think they will one day dominate again like red bull however they are also gonna go through a Down period like redbull

[@kwesimctaire3783]

Dude the main issue with merc is there aero. They always depend on their powerful engine so they never fully focus on aero. That is what is killing them.

[@defnotatroll]

then why werent their customers winning titles and races when they were dominating

[@joakimjeppsson1443]

Whenever Merc had an upgrade that didn't work they just spent more money to make sure there was an improvement, no matter the cost. Now with a cost cap they can't do that anymore and one can see their wind tunnel, "super computers" etc were not as good as they had imagined

[@Kieran_OPC]

Finally someone said it! Red Bull had the best chassis of the 2010s hands down and it remains that way to this day.

[@SlimSavageBlanco]

Chassis excite you thar much, huh? Whatever floats your boat.

[@Giratina575]

Just laughing a bit at all the fake fans being exposed. Glad to have folks like you exposing them.

[@KHoff77]

Will not get tired of max domination for another 4 years.

[@GloomGaiGar]

lol even Max is bored of it

[@bentacc9217]

mercedes going from titlefghter to midfielder Roushfenway Racing: First Time?

[@danielan6159]

A lot of what he said just isn’t true. It was just a dominant car in clear air being able to take full advantage of the aero changes.

[@YouTube2021FM]

Merc’s power advantage has nothing to do with the new fuels - Honda and Ferrari just caught up to the Merc engine… and the 2014-16 engine token system locked them in.

[@Jackscin]

Why is the budget cap less than the budget of most Marvel movies lol.

[@snake5305]

"My team don't make mistakes." Lewis Hamilton 2022

[@formula_herm]

The Zeropod concept was not wrong. Its where every simulation will inevitably lead you. It what many teams are realizing currently, but they've been scared off. Mercedes simply put the Cart before the Horse. Thier chassis was nowhere near good enough for they wanted to achieve. And they dont understand ground effect, it seems.

[@Leon-vx7oe]

At least they have the nicest Livery in my opinion

[@Maky-vo7qs]

What if mercedes just copy the W11 aero minus the sticky uppy bits? atleast they have a benchmark to improve their car.

[@nialljdoherty]

Mercedes had a great chassis and aero2014 -2022 look at Williams in the same period they had a Mercedes engine

[@ZephyrCorsa]

A freak accident caused by the negligence of other drivers isn't worth canceling or leaving motorsports.

[@Nut.1711]

Well, when an empire falls another one rises

[@treytonlandplayz3151]

They could come back though.. And even as a McLaren fan, I want them to. I need someone to challenge Red Bull

[@w1llyboi248]

Same bro

[@GloomGaiGar]

You don't want the team you support to challenge Red Bull? ok

[@lorenzo_1096]

Its also important to point out that Redbull is now using the “zero side pod concept” and it’s working with no issues whatsoever, yeah sure by the time im commenting this they lost 2 races, but neither of them was because of a “bad car” it was just an engine problem and a damaged floor, its crazy how Redbull got their concept right on the first try. Everyone tried to “follow redbull” in this 2024 season, you can tell by how similar the cars of other teams are with redbull last year, but they showed us something completely different thats its WORKING, realistically speaking I don’t think RBR will lose their trone until 2026, fights with Ferrari and McLaren might get close but not close enough for us to see them losing.

[@brzk_]

also the engine advantage seemed to dissapear in 2022 because of the draggyness (is that a word?) of the car. the red bull especially ist just able to go faster in a straight line, even if you would put a mercedes engine in that car it would win

[@aspect359]

Yeah that's what he told about aero

[@GloomGaiGar]

It also disappeared because of the engine freeze

[@RIKDDY]

I started when vettel and red bull dominated. It sucked watching the psuedo renault works team squirt away within the first 2 laps and the race was done. I was glad watching mercedes dominate the new era. Pity Honda couldn't join in to compete early on the 1st 7 years 2014-2020. This red bull domination is horrid. Worse than the Vettel years. They have no competition. The Honda engine is unbeatable. Newey's aero is wizardry.

[@Car.V1]

15:53 🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@rocketman1058]

It the case of best machine vs best driver. I don't mind the best driver to win ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. PS, I remember max's first win in 16, I knew this era would come, I'm partially happy, I've always said max would get 8 titles. So I'm waiting for that day

[@MuhammadNiz007]

There problem started when they lost James allision who let's not forget is more successful than Adrian Newey. Although James is back; you can't really expect him to turn around the car so quickly especially because they are stuck with a fundamental disadvantage of 2 years. People are quick to forget this but it took Adrian newye to make 2 red bull's before they had 2009 and than also it took Adrian 4 mid level of cars from 2017-20 to be back.

[@MeRacko]

Lewis will win againg not just the race but the championship but it will not be in Mercedes it will be with Ferrari

[@JamesMiller-lb3sk]

Good thing can't last forever

[@YouTube2021FM]

Renault and Red Bull want a hodge podge, Renault just did and is still doing a shit job in Viry

[@Undivided_X]

Mercedes returned in 1993 I think, not 1994.

[@8tonystark8]

Such a shame they got that lucky win in 2022

[@Dennis-ff2pf]

If you are always chasing stop remembe less is more .

[@br7an676]

As a mercedes fan I hope merc leaves f1 and becomes just an engine supplier, teams like Andretti are way more prepared to handle f1 and they can't do that because a certain german hypocritical manufacturer is holding them up

[@TRC98]

The simple answer is Merc cant spend twice as much as their rivals anymore. Their glory days are gone, and they're never coming back (thank christ)

[@magdelinem6962]

Mercedes downfall should be studied at the University of Oxford.🙈🤷

[@drwgalabuschagne3287]

If anyone jumped in Max's current car they would win...

[@ChinaPower1]

🎉❤

[@MeRacko]

George Russell is to blame

[@abhishekdixit8720]

2:19 WTF!

[@VNeto94]

Who said it was a good thing?

[@asur7]

Anita Maxx Wynn

[@TA-rq8ki]

lock in 9:22

[@itsnick1304]

Starwars ah title

[@juniorngomane7201]

Lol really, redbull fan after Seb? Ok💀

[@miczuu92]

If you ever have that monkey hand first wish should be to never have negative conequences of your wishes. Thank me later.

[@ColtAlabama]

You are delusional if you think the w13 is one of the best looking f1 cars. Rest of the video was great but that opinion is wild.

[@Randomvideos-zi7pe]

Mercedes is mostly successful in every motorsport category, but not in f1

[@aspect359]

7 str8 world championships and u say they arnt successfull??

[@Randomvideos-zi7pe]

@@aspect359 Championships do not decide success

[@aspect359]

@@Randomvideos-zi7pe then wtf does

[@GloomGaiGar]

WRC? wdym every?

[@0megalul309]

i wonder if mercedes focused more on the 2022 car instead of trying to soothe lewis' ego by getting masi fired, things might have been different.

[@frankdatank5002]

Toto didn’t inherit a perfect team and design from brawn this go which is why they aren’t nearly as good now as they were in 2014 haha. He came right in to a winning awesome team in 2014 he never had a hard season. 9 years later he finally got a rough season and was lost and turned into a bigger cry baby and jerk. Btw toto is also the idiot who cries safety issue when stuff doesn’t go his way totally ruining things. Him and Lewis are made for each other. 2 huge cry babies that can’t function if someone is better or the car isnt the best on the grid by far. Toto cried about pit stop safety so Red Bull who was always getting 1.8 second stops was slowed down by FIA. Them and McLaren instead of crying found new ways to get back down to 1.8 with the new rules. Then Toto cried about porpoising and while other teams even crap teams like haas and Williams etc who had that issue figured it out he and his people (probably because no brawn around haha) couldn’t so instead learning from it and trying a new way he just cried to FIA and got the car raised because his people thought that would help them. I’m just happy in that case it helped everyone else especially Red Bull and hurt him more lol. So glad they got it wrong. He even got a guy fired for putting on a race for people. Now because of that we get inconsistent rule enforcement, flags and lines etc. He really just needs to be a 33% team owner with no power or say in stuff because he ruins things. I respect Red Bull and a few others that say hey they are killing us let’s do better and now we have 1.8 second pit stops again

[@DannyTheGFP]

Ive got new socks

[@dannybartlett4225]

wrong on Mercedes this year as there learning and learning fast i think after the summer brake, they will be in a decent place not winning tho, i think there understanding will change. With Max verstappen snapped up for 150m a year they have there work cut out in 2025 and with Redbull losing Max and Adrian and still no working engine for the new regs will see the end of Redbull all because they would not sack Horner socking. Now that damage has destroyed a team that should dominate into the new regs but will fall all the way down again Meanwhile Ferrari already are so far ahead with the new regs they sold that dream to Lewis and he signed without so much as flinch now Adrian Newey has also signed straight away to Ferrari with pictures and video showing him leaving Ferrari HQ in Maranello and Piero Ferrari leaving some 3 hrs later its safe to say his joining Ferrari and then the part time fans sit and say well he cant work on a Ferrari until 2027 wrong again with Ferrari buying him out of his current contract its safe to say the Redbulls dream is over and the rain of the Ferrari is gaining speed Miami will be full of the news so buckle up Redbull fans its about to get messy.

[@GloomGaiGar]

Their results say other wise lol

[@rocketman1058]

Lewis had it easy, and he proved it in 21 with a very messy, amateurish level performance and, man, many mistakes on his side. But still crying about being robbed, some has to tell him that he was robbed in Imola or Azerbaijan 21.

[@rocketman1058]

you just proved that mercs had so easy, that the pitstops, aerodynamics, and setup, tire use and others didn't matter, and after that all ended their top driver turned out not so top. lewis' smoke screen has been blown, and the king has no clothes.

[@rezaimran98]

Looks like Red Bull's era is also coming to an end. Bye Bye Newey.

[@GloomGaiGar]

Newey barely does the designing anymore.

[@robb5270]

Could not be happier that mercs rain with their huge engine advantage is over. Couldn’t care if max wins every single race for the rest of his career…as long as we don’t have to see Pewis Midfieldton winning races

[@miguelcebriancarrasco1907]

Im with you fellow RPM cultist, If Lewis CarMerchantMilton doent win aggain, Ill be the happiest dude

[@twinturbo3470]

Screw Mercedes…….Lewis used his most dominating time in F1 to be a woke, victim shill

[@pr3cious193]

You people just keep exposing yourselves

[@GloomGaiGar]

but when Vettel does it, its fine

[@twinturbo3470]

@@GloomGaiGar no that was annoying as hell too. He didn’t do it to the same level as Hamilton. Taking a knee during the host countries national anthem sure as aged well

[@Real_Shawn]

get lost

[@lukeamato423]

Well considering lewis is going to Ferrari you probably wont see him win again

[@HeyItsTeal]

*Expense of their son's life, not 'extent'. Get someone to read over your scripts, or do more takes until you get it right.

[@quigglyz]

They decided to divert engineer salaries toward Lewis. Worst decision ever, because he was never the key to their success. Anybody can win a title in the W11. Edit: Did you just call Lewis one of the greatest drivers of all time? Come on, dude. Don't drink the kool aid. Embrace reality.

[@kianaboston2507]

I mean if anyone could win a title in the W11 why didn't Valterri? Matter fact why was Valterri unable to win a WDC during his years at Merc?

[@georgipress]

over spending almost half a billion on development its literally cheating lol i dont have respect for those 7 titles.

[@darudy]

That’s not monkey paw for me whatsoever. I am absolutely fine with all the vertsppens wins and with the downfall of Lewis and mercedes

[@pr3cious193]

Lol at least you people are no longer pretending to care about the health of the sport and it was all about hating on Lewis

[@jorgewithaj98]

We found the hater 🤣

[@Alexingramd]

You lost me at “I love red bull brand”. You have no clue what F1 is and the heritage that is behind it. Red bull is a marketing company who only cares about money. I guarantee you 90% of red bull “fans” will switch to wherever verstappen and checo go when they go 😂