Following a major overhaul to F1’s aerodynamic regulations, Mercedes shocked the paddock by going completely down their own route and adopting a ‘zero sidepod’ solution that differed greatly to Red Bull and Ferrari’s designs. Mercedes went on to endure a difficult season with their troubled W13 challenger, winning just one race as they slipped to third place in the F1 constructors’ standings after an unprecedented streak of eight consecutive world titles. Speaking in a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott was asked if the team were surprised there were the only ones to favour their sidepod…