Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, expressed disappointment in his team’s performance after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished over six-tenths of a second behind Max Verstappen, the reigning champion from Red Bull. Wolff acknowledged that they had made mistakes in their car’s physics and emphasized the need to make corrections and improve in order to win races. He stated that hitting their targets was not enough and they needed to regroup and determine the direction of their development.
In the following weeks, Mercedes introduced upgrades to their W14 car at the Monaco Grand Prix, including new side pods, aerodynamic changes, a new floor, and front suspension. For the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone, they will debut a new front wing. These upgrades were planned in advance, with the team allocating resources and budget for in-season improvements.
James Allison, the technical director of Mercedes, explained that the changes to the car were not a direct result of Wolff’s comments but were part of the team’s predetermined upgrade plan. The floor and front wing were planned before the car even hit the track, while other bodywork options were being assessed through computational fluid dynamics analysis. The decision to change the suspension, however, was a result of a better understanding of the regulations and the car’s behavior during the previous season.
Mercedes faced challenges with the porpoising effect caused by the aerodynamic changes aimed at aiding overtaking. James Allison described the current generation of cars as less enjoyable to drive compared to older models, as they are stiffer and have larger front wings. The team focused on solving the porpoising issue before addressing other areas of the car. The introduction of an antidive system and suspension changes aimed to address these concerns.
Lewis Hamilton praised the improvements made to the car after the Spanish Grand Prix, claiming it was the best it had been in a year and a half. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to reach their goals through dedication and focus.
However, the introduction of the budget cap in Formula 1 limited the speed of car development. Mercedes had to become more mindful of costs and analyze their manufacturing processes. The team had to be smarter in designing parts that could be replaced individually instead of replacing the entire component. The number of spare parts taken to a Grand Prix was also reduced, as the team became more confident in their processes and risk assessment.
Mercedes remains committed to continuous upgrades throughout the season while simultaneously planning for next year’s car, the W15. The development plans for the next car were already in place before the current car hit the track, and adjustments may be made based on the team’s current performance and goals.
Overall, Mercedes is determined to rectify their mistakes, improve their car’s performance, and maintain a competitive edge in Formula 1. They acknowledge the need for strategic planning, cost efficiency, and continuous development to maintain their position as a top team.
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