Mercedes AMG Petronas’s F1 team entered the rebuilding phase after going winless in the 2023 F1 season. Following the introduction of modern ground effects regulations, the team has consistently struggled to understand the W-series concept. This year, their struggles have only increased compared to the previous two seasons.
Mercedes’ 2024 season challenger W15, which was supposed to be much better than it’s predecessors, has ironically perhaps even worse that the spiteful W14. That being said, in the face of adversity, the Silver Arrows have now decided to opt for damage control measure and accordingly move up the upgrade packages that were schedule for the second half.
Mercedes’ Imola Upgrades Preponed To Miami Grand Prix!
Mercedes, the dominant force in Formula 1 for much of the past decade, has found itself facing unexpected challenges in the 2024 season. With the emergence of formidable competition and uncharacteristic performance issues, the team is taking proactive steps to address its woes by accelerating the schedule for its upgrade package. In a recent update, team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that a season-first upgrade package will be introduced in the upcoming race weekend in Miami. The upgrades include changes to the floor, above and below, correction of the flow pattern, and stabilization of the aero map of the W15 at certain speed ranges. However, it is now speculated that the upgrades were originally scheduled for the Imola Grand Prix later in the year.
But since Mercedes no longer wants to drive in no man’s land, the engineers have decided to pre-pone the schedule. Notably, W15’s biggest shortcoming this year has been stability around high-speed corners and overall straight-line speed. The rigid rear end around corners resulted in a loss of heavy time, and the issue was reported multiple times by lead driver Lewis Hamilton. Hence, floor changes are expected in the impending upgrade package as stability and decreased bowling issues will result in a better lap time gain in the remainder of the season. Overall, after an abysmal start, the Silver Arrows possess all the necessary data required to understand the root cause of the car’s troubles and are accordingly working towards finding resolutions. Miami Grand Prix is scheduled for May 6 at the Miami International Autodrome circuit.
Kimi Antonelli Likely To Audition In Williams For Lewis Hamilton’s Seat!
In a major rumor swirling around the internet, Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will reportedly replace Logan Sargeant at Williams in the latter half of the 2024 F1 season. His Williams stint will likely be treated as an audition for the soon-to-be vacated Mercedes seat.
Notably, Kimi as been touted as the front runner to replace Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes from 2025 season onwards. He recently tested F1 car at Red Bull Ring and will turn 18 in August, which is the minimum age bar for drivers to be eligible for debut in F1. While these are just speculations at this points, with Silver Arrows’ hunt for second driver heating up, anything is possible.
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