Formula 1: Mercedes GP to start focusing on 2011

Mercedes GP are set to stop development of their current Formula 1 car and concentrate their efforts on 2011 after a disappointing season to date.

After buying out and rebranding the double-title winning Brawn GP team, Mercedes are the reigning constructors’ champions, but have so far managed just three podium finishes from 12 races and find themselves struggling to stay ahead of Renault in fourth place with 132 points to Renault’s 106.

F1 is currently on its summer break, with all work on the cars suspended for two weeks, but the Brackley-based German team is expected to begin work on its 2011 car soon after, introducing just one more upgrade this season for the Singapore Grand Prix.

“Currently we are certainly not good enough, that is very clear,” said Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug.

“But I’m absolutely convinced that we need some time and that we can really improve and make the best out of the situation.

“Ross and the team know what they’re talking about. It’s very clear that they had a world championship campaign last year and were very much concentrated on that.

“And still we do not have a bad car. But things do not fit together always 100%, that’s my view, and sometimes you get it better, sometimes you don’t achieve your targets.”

He added: “We have the ingredients to succeed, as we have the team. We need to work concentrated, focused, and we are sticking together as a team,

“And if you’re not doing that then you are very soon history.”

Nico Rosberg has 94 points and is seventh in the drivers’ championship, just three points off Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, while Michael Schumacher has just 38 points and his currently ninth, a long way off Renault’s Robert Kubica with 89 points.