The Mercedes team has been confused for most of the 2024 season. Since the introduction of the ground effect rule, the Silver Arrows have lost the development battleground. As a result, the German Marque is nowhere near the world title, as the season is practically over.
However, the technical team is still trying hard to bring some performance to a lackluster W15. Although the team won a couple of races before the summer break, things went downhill again after the break. Now, the hopes for a comeback hinge on the upcoming Austin upgrade, which includes a new floor component.
The Silver Arrows Aims To End 2024 Season On A High Note
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has announced an upgrade package to ensure the team finishes the 2024 season on a high note despite being out of contention for the championship. The upcoming race at the Circuit of the Americas marks the beginning of a critical stretch in the season, featuring six races over the next eight weeks, culminating in Abu Dhabi. Wolff is particularly focused on giving Lewis Hamilton, who will be leaving the team at the end of the season, the farewell he deserves.
Since the Singapore Grand Prix, the team has been analyzing their performances to identify areas for improvement. As a result, they plan to introduce their final update package of the season at the Texas Grand Prix. This package includes a new underfloor, a revised front wing, and updated side pods designed to help close the performance gap with the leading teams. The new underfloor aims to enhance load consistency in medium-speed corners, while the front wing upgrade is intended to improve airflow and stability in low-speed corners. The updated side pods feature an “overbite” design that boosts airflow efficiency, providing valuable insights for developing the 2025 car.
The Texas Grand Prix will also see the return of the Sprint race format, adding another layer of excitement and challenge. The high-speed, bumpy nature of the Circuit of the Americas presents significant challenges for both car and driver, as Mercedes experienced last year. Key features of the track include a 134-foot elevation change at Turn One and intense braking at Turn 12, where drivers experience over 5Gs of force. Wolff emphasized the importance of navigating these challenges while effectively implementing the upgrades, stating that the team must perform at their best to introduce the new package successfully.
Mercedes Gears Up for Hamilton’s Farewell Before Ferrari Transition
Beyond the technical aspects, the United States Grand Prix holds historical significance for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. The British driver has achieved remarkable success at COTA, with five victories to his name, and the circuit has been pivotal in securing two of his world championship titles in 2015 and 2019.
As Hamilton prepares to transition to Ferrari in 2025, the team’s objective of finishing the season strongly and properly bidding farewell to a significant chapter in their history has an added emotional layer. The team is not only focused on performance but also on acknowledging the impact Hamilton has had on their journey. Wolff reiterated the team’s commitment to ending the year on a high note, building momentum for 2025, and ensuring that Hamilton receives a perfect farewell.