Mercedes Technical Director Explains Why Drivers Can't Help Their Team Over Winter Break

Mercedes's technical director, James Allison, explained why F1 drivers can't really contribute to the team throughout the majority of the winter break.

F1 drivers are chosen by their teams mainly based on their performance on track because that is the main part of their job. Besides racing, they usually also give feedback to the team on the car and participate in marketing activities as they are the faces of their teams.

However, now that we are in the middle of the break, F1 drivers can't race, they can't give much feedback because they are not racing, and there are also zero to no media obligations. Allison told motorsport.com:

Read also

'Lot Of Hair Pulling And Tearing': Schumacher On Loss Of His F1 Seat

The 55-year-old also suggested this is the primary reason why Hamilton's success next year isn't currently in his hands. He is dependent on the car he gets and can't influence it much right now.

The car can already be driven on the simulator. However, the team has different drivers whose job is to drive a simulator. Hamilton's and Russell's feedback will be important when the pre-season tests in Bahrain begin on the 21st of February. Allison added:

Read also

Hamilton And Alonso Dismissed In Discussion About Verstappen's Potential Challengers