Mercedes is trying their best to improve their condition in 2023. They have made a significant mistake in starting the season with the same zero-side pod concept as the last year. It did not help them start well at all. Since the opening Grand Prix in Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton has been complaining about the rear-end downforce as well the seat position.
But it is not easy to change the car’s setup in the mid-season completely. All they can do is introduce certain upgrades every race and keep notes of the changes they need to make for the 2024’s car. Since the Monaco upgrades, Mercedes has gained a few podiums but not consistently. However, they are planning to bring new changes with a few more rear-wing tricks this season.
Mercedes, Along With A Few More Teams, Are Bringing Changes In Their Rear Wing
There have been certain issues the team, like a few more, are facing due to the new rules of FIA. Moreover, the governing body made changes to reduce the cars creating wake turbulences. It allows teams to follow each other more closely. Several teams are trying to reverse the FIA’s changes as they keep on poking as well as prodding. Due to these pokings, teams like Mercedes and Alpha Tauri are utilizing a feature to connect the endplate of the rear wing with the tip section of the upper flap differently. It will help in manipulating the airflow of that car’s area.
Moreover, the governing body wanted to reduce at least or better if they can prevent the ensuing of aerodynamic trickeries during the previous few regulatory periods. There are two different ways teams are following the idea of utilizing the feature of the rear wing. Mercedes is following Aston Martin’s way, and Alpha Tauri is following Alpine in their new rear-wing trick. The approach that Mercedes and Aston Martin are following requires a metal insert. However, it sits on the shoulder of the endplate. This approach leads to a large cutout of the rear. But the Alpine and Alpha Tauri’s approach requires the metal to be further inboard. It allows the section of the tip to be flatter. This approach increases the rear cutout’s size but also helps in the introduction of a new shedding surface into the mix as well.
Lewis Hamilton Lost His Chance Of Reaching A Milestone In Hungary This Year
Moreover, Lewis Hamilton has been performing better than how he did at the beginning of the season. On the other hand, George Russell has not found his golden touch yet. The last victory for Mercedes came in the previous season, with the 25-year-old winning his maiden Grand Prix in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Despite too much of porpoising issues, Mercedes was able to win a single race last year.
But this year, they have not seen a single race where their driver finished at the top after a Grand Prix. In Hungary, Lewis Hamilton came close as he won the pole position for the first time since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, he could not convert it into a race victory last Sunday. He would become the first driver to win nine races at a single venue. But no, for that, Hamilton fans will have to wait a little while longer.