While the Silver Arrows look formidable, they’re still not the fastest. Teams like Red Bull and McLaren appear faster than the W15, especially on a tricky surface. However, the technical team in Brackley is now filled with confidence after two consecutive victories in Austria and Silverstone. Thus, the team is looking forward to a unique challenge posed by the Hungaroiring.
The team’s trackside engineer, Andrew Shovlin, recently appeared on an episode of the F1 Nation podcast. Shovlin, who has worked closely with James Allison, has predicted the outcomes of the Hungary GP. He also explained the reason behind the ‘nervousness’ in the Mercedes camp ahead of the showdown.
Hungary Will Test Mercedes’ Long Run Performance In Scorching Temperature
Andrew Shovlin discussed the team’s challenges despite their recent win at Silverstone. He mentioned that their victory doesn’t automatically translate to future successes, and maintaining their performance will be difficult.
The British motorsport engineer highlighted the upcoming race in Hungary as a significant test, particularly in terms of their long-run performance in hot conditions. Moreover, he noted that in previous races, like Barcelona and Austria, they struggled to match the long-run pace of competitors such as Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. These cars were well ahead, creating a substantial performance gap that Shovlin is not confident they can close significantly.
However, Shovlin did express some optimism based on their surprising first stint at Silverstone. Initially, the team didn’t expect to break away in the dry portion of the race, fearing a repeat of the Barcelona race, where competitors quickly challenged George Russell. The varying demands of different tracks require careful simulation and preparation, and the team is focused on starting with the best possible setup for each race.
The Difference Between Monaco And ‘The Monaco Without Walls’
Andrew Shovlin discussed the differences between the Hungarian Grand Prix track and Monaco, emphasizing that the distinct tarmac alone results in different driving characteristics. Further, he explained that the Hungarian track features proper corners, including some fast ones like Turn Four into Turn Five, making it a genuine racing circuit with short straights.
Moreover, Shovlin pointed out the importance of the 180-degree corners, where a well-balanced car can significantly benefit from the driver’s skill. In the last three corners of the track, a stable car that combines stability with responsive turning can gain substantial time. Conversely, a car with an unstable balance, prone to understeer at the apex and a snapping back end, can lose a lot of time.
Subsequently, the trackside engineer noted that while Monaco has no comparable corners, the Hungarian circuit’s connected corners reward a well-balanced car, allowing drivers to find significant time if the vehicle performs well. Additionally, maintaining the correct tyre temperature in the final sector is crucial. Shovlin also highlighted Lewis Hamilton’s impressive record at the track, acknowledging that the driver’s skill plays a significant role in the performance around the circuit.
