The Mercedes team’s performance graph is in the negative quadrant. With the team failing to perform post-summer break, the Technical team has ample issues to resolve. However, the Silver Arrows were enjoying a momentous run before the break. Perhaps the pause snatched its momentum, making it vulnerable on the warmer tracks like Zandvoort and Monza.
The W15 has failed to perform consistently, as its graph remains sinusoidal. The car lacks balance, making it severely off the pace. While it may seem like a technical issue on the surface, there is undoubtedly more to it than meets the eye. The Mercedes chief opened up about the ongoing tussle, keeping his squad far from victory. He also hinted toward a major update that could end their misery.
Toto Wolff Identifies “Tyre Management” As A Major Issue for Mercedes
Reflecting on Mercedes’ performance in Azerbaijan, Toto Wolff highlighted the inconsistencies that hindered the team throughout the weekend. While there were moments of strong pace, Wolff admitted that the team struggled to maintain that speed consistently. Tyre temperature management emerged as a key issue that requires urgent attention. George Russell’s surprising performance on hard tires, following difficulties on the medium compound, underscored the challenges Mercedes faced.
Looking ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix, Wolff acknowledged the unique demands posed by the Marina Bay circuit. Though also a street circuit like Baku, Singapore presents a different set of challenges. The high heat and humidity not only place physical strain on drivers and team members but also amplify the difficulty of managing tire temperatures. The track’s bumpy surface, combined with a mix of low- and high-speed corners, adds further complexity. These elements create a demanding environment where even small mistakes can be costly, as the walls of the narrow circuit leave little margin for error.
Despite these challenges, Wolff remains optimistic. He emphasized that when the team gets the car working as intended, Mercedes has the pace to be competitive, offering hope for improved results in Singapore and beyond.
Mercedes Working On A Mega F1 Upgrade For The U.S. GP
Mercedes plans to introduce a series of upgrades as the 2024 season nears. According to Andrew Shovlin, the team will make minor adjustments over the next few races but has set its sights on a more significant upgrade package following the three-week break after the Singapore Grand Prix. This larger update is scheduled to debut at the Austin race, where Mercedes hopes to substantially improve the car’s performance.
In addition to the major upgrade for Austin, the team plans to bring smaller updates across the season’s final six races. This approach reflects Mercedes’ continuous development strategy, ensuring they remain competitive as the championship fight intensifies in the latter part of the year.