Toto Wolff has admitted he analysed the recent history of Man United in a bid to keep Mercedes at the top of Formula 1.
The Silver Arrows dominated the sport between 2014 and 2020, winning seven straight drivers' and constructors' titles. Six of those championships were won by Lewis Hamilton, the only exception coming in 2016 when he was beaten by teammate Nico Rosberg.
But their quest for an eighth successive double was scuppered by Red Bull and Max Verstappen, albeit in highly controversial circumstances. Following an epic title duel between the Dutch star and Hamilton, it was the former who prevailed following a dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
But Wolff's team won't be gaining any kind of revenge this season, with the W13 cars being plagued by the issue of the porpoising. Despite improved showings in recent races, neither Hamilton or partner George Russell have recorded a Grand Prix win.
Although it could be argued that their situation appears blissful in comparison to United's. Since winning their last Premier League title in 2013, the Red Devils have managed to second-placed finishes in the EPL, and have started the 2022/23 campaign in awful form.
Under new manager Erik ten Hag, they were beaten 2-0 at Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the season. That was followed up a humiliating 4-0 loss at Brentford last Saturday.
But the Austrian has studied their dominant period under Sir Alex Ferguson, plus the struggles they've endured since the Scotsman's retirement. In an interview with the Financial Times, Wolff said: “I studied why great teams were not able to repeat great title [runs]," before citing United's spell under Ferguson.
"No sports team in any sport has ever won eight consecutive World Championship titles and there are many reasons for that, and what is at the core is the human. The human gets complacent. You are not energised in the same way you were before. You are maybe not as ambitious."
However, Wolff, 50, did concede that continued dominance from his team wouldn't have been positive for the sport, "because nobody would watch it anymore" - but he still voiced his ambition to return to the top of the tree.
Indeed, Ferguson was renowned for his desire, and his ability to bounce back from adversity. His final title with United came just a season after losing the crown to rivalling neighbours Man City, thanks to the infamous last minute Sergio Aguero goal.
The 2022 F1 schedule is currently in the midst of a four-week break, with action resuming in Belgium on the weekend of August 26-28. But it's the 2023 campaign where Wolff and co should emerge stronger, with F1 proposals in place to ease the porpoising issue.
And it's fair to say Mercedes have a far better chance of victory in their next competitive action than United do. Ten Hag's men host Liverpool next Monday night.
