As the 2024 season began, Mercedes was the fourth quickest of the elite teams. It was nowhere near its customer, McLaren, which appeared to be a terrible squad. Furthermore, Lewis Hamilton’s decision to depart for Ferrari exacerbated its problems. As the aerodynamic conflicts raged on, the technical staff and the W15 were constantly at odds.
However, after several attempts, the team eventually worked out the arrangement. The technical crew, led by James Allison, spotted the purple patch when the W15 vehicle appeared unexpectedly fast. Although the vehicle is not yet the fastest, Hamilton feels it will get there pretty soon.
Hamilton Confident Of Extending His Record After Mercedes Resurgence
Lewis Hamilton remarked on his team’s growth this season following his record-breaking ninth win at Silverstone. At the outset of the season, Hamilton stated that the squad wasn’t close to matching Red Bull’s performance, and a triumph appeared out of reach. He recognized the initial feeling of disappointment that hung over the season.
Hamilton praised his team’s extraordinary efforts, noting how they worked together to enhance the car significantly. This transition has changed the team’s mindset from maybe finishing the season on a low note to aiming for a high. While conceding that there is still a long way to go and that the vehicle is not currently the fastest on the grid, the Briton voiced confidence. Furthermore, he feels that with the planned enhancements, the squad will be in a better position to compete at the front constantly.
The seven-time world champion expressed his enthusiasm for the car’s improvement, stating that it is beginning to feel a lot better and more competitive. This growth has enabled him to compete more closely with great drivers such as Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, which he finds extremely rewarding. Hamilton’s optimism and the team’s rising direction have him looking forward to upcoming races with excitement.
The Sole Obstacle That Could Hamper Mercedes’ Hat-Trick of Victories
The team’s trackside engineer, Andrew Shovlin, conceded that Mercedes surprised themselves with their performance at Silverstone, particularly in the dry conditions, when they surprisingly broke away. Looking ahead to Hungary, Shovlin noted the track’s particular obstacles and their approach to preparing properly. The temperature might exceed 30 degrees, pushing the track temperature into the fifties. As a result, it may impair the W15’s performance, which operates best in colder temperatures.