Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team has witnessed a downward trend over the last few seasons. The team fell in the middle of the grid with zero chances of winning against Red Bull. This year’s car, W14, has a ridiculous number of issues that the team of engineers is trying to figure out. The first set of upgrades was introduced in the recently concluded Monaco Grand Prix, and the results were a little promising.
The Silver Arrows faced a conundrum on whether or not to introduce the highly anticipated upgrade package in Monaco after the cancelation of the Imola GP. A tricky circuit of Monte Carlo was not an ideal track for Mercedes to test out their upgrades. However, the team had no time to waste, and hence they decided to move ahead anyway. While the race produced average results, Mercedes is gearing up to introduce a new upgrade in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
Mercedes Confirm Of Introducing Small Upgrade In Spain
The Silver Arrows introduced their highly anticipated upgrade in the Monaco Grand Prix. The new W14 looked visibly different, with larger side pods and a new suspension. However, the drivers, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell, still struggled with the rear. But considering the highly challenging circuit of Monte Carlo, Mercedes would be relieved. Now they finally have some data to work on. Meanwhile, ahead of the Spanish GP, Mercedes’ Technical Director, James Allison, has confirmed that the team will bring in an additional upgrade in Barcelona. Without revealing any specific details, Allison said it would be a small upgrade but would have a huge impact in the long run.
James Allison further added that Monaco was not an ideal track to test the upgrades, but still, they did a good job. After the race, he has received inputs from the drivers and will work on that along with other data collected by engineers. The Mercedes official believes that Barcelona would be crucial as it remains a perfect track to understand the efficacy of the upgrades truly. The data collected from the Spanish GP will set the further course of action for the team. Regardless, Allison claimed that the team is not making any early judgments and will wait for the new upgrades to settle over the course of the season.
Silver Arrows To Continue Introducing Upgrades Throughout The Season
With the first substantial upgrade coming in during the Monaco GP, Mercedes is not just ready to settle down. The Silver Arrows have another change lined up for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. Moreover, the Brackley-based team’s boss, Toto Wolff, has confirmed that Barcelona is not an end game for Mercedes. The team has planned to introduce more upgrades step by step in the upcoming races as well.
Wolff further added that Mercedes would continue to derive as much data as possible and would introduce the next set of upgrades accordingly. Again the team principal has warned the fans against setting high expectations. He clarified that these upgrades are meant to provide stability to W14 and are not focused on just pace. The pace would come along eventually. Regardless, the fans would at least expect a podium finish in Barcelona, considering that Lewis Hamilton missed one in Monaco by just half a second.