The Mercedes F1 team has endured a tough 2024 campaign, managing only three Grand Prix victories as it continues to struggle with the demands of the ground effect era. Currently sitting fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with three races left, Mercedes has chosen to focus on unraveling the mysteries of its car’s performance issues. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin highlighted the team’s efforts to address these challenges, which have caused inconsistency and unpredictability for its drivers, especially Lewis Hamilton.
The difficulties were on full display during the United States Grand Prix in Austin. George Russell spun and crashed his W15 during qualifying, while Hamilton encountered a similar fate during the Grand Prix, spinning out and getting stuck in the gravel at the same corner. Although Russell has shown improvement in subsequent races, Hamilton has continued to express dissatisfaction with the car, describing it as one of the most challenging he has ever driven. His frustrations peaked during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he labeled the W15 as the worst car of his career.
Mercedes Clueless About Its ‘Corner Speed’ Struggle
Mercedes has officially shifted its focus to the 2025 Formula 1 season after falling 162 points behind Red Bull, effectively ending their championship aspirations for the current campaign. The team’s engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, emphasized that efforts are now concentrated on diagnosing the root causes of the car’s struggles and making necessary advancements to regain competitive form. This strategic pivot coincides with the announcement that the 2025 car will build upon the current W15.
A recurring weakness for Mercedes has been their performance in slow, interconnected corners, an issue that has persisted throughout the season. Shovlin highlighted this as a critical area for improvement, with sector two at the Brazilian Grand Prix providing a clear example of the car’s limitations. Despite these challenges, the team used the wet conditions at Interlagos to gather valuable data, showcasing a competitive pace in adverse weather. This information and data from upcoming races will be analyzed to refine their approach for 2025.
With their championship position relatively secure, Mercedes is leveraging the remaining races to gather insights that will inform the next season’s design philosophy. The team plans to evaluate performance across different tracks to confirm their understanding of the W15’s shortcomings and ensure the planned changes for the 2025 car address these problem areas. By taking this proactive approach, Mercedes aims to make significant strides toward reclaiming their status as a championship contender.
Mercedes Aims To Bridge The Performance Gap In Final Three Races Of 2024
Andrew Shovlin highlighted that the season’s final three races will provide Mercedes with a clearer picture of the performance gap they need to bridge for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign. Each of the upcoming tracks offers unique characteristics that will help the team assess their standing relative to their competitors.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix features a combination of straight-line speed and low-speed corners, presenting an opportunity to evaluate performance in these critical areas. Qatar, known for its high-speed layout, offers a contrasting challenge, while the season finale in Abu Dhabi provides a balanced mix of corner types. Together, these circuits will serve as valuable benchmarks for Mercedes, enabling them to identify areas of improvement and understand where they lag behind teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari.
