Russell predicts Mercedes’ 2024 Formula 1 vehicle won’t face the same time constraints as last season
A Bold Move: Mercedes Sticks with ‘Zeropod’ Design
In a surprising turn of events, Mercedes has decided to continue with its unconventional ‘zeropod’ sidepod design for their upcoming W15 car. This decision comes after an initial belief that it could be transformed into a Red Bull challenger following George Russell’s victory in the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. However, once the W14 proved to be significantly off pace during testing and the season opener in Bahrain, Mercedes quickly abandoned this approach.
The team made significant changes to the design at the Monaco GP by implementing Red Bull’s downwash sidepod concept. Team principal Toto Wolff expressed his confidence in these modifications, stating that almost every component was being changed to give them a fighting chance with the upcoming W15 in 2024. These alterations encompassed various aspects such as chassis layout, weight distribution, and airflow.
George Russell himself feels more optimistic about next season due to Mercedes’ extensive efforts in developing and refining their new concept over a prolonged period of time. He highlighted that compared to last year where things felt rushed and conclusions were drawn prematurely without proper consideration of consequences; this time around they have meticulously analyzed all available information before finalizing their plans.
Russell acknowledged that despite some progress made last year, it came at the cost of unforeseen drawbacks which had not been adequately taken into account initially. Closing ranks on Red Bull is no easy task considering their unprecedented dominance this year – statistically speaking, it may well be deemed as one of the most dominant cars in history. Nevertheless, Russell enters the upcoming season with an open mind.
He understands that immediate success may not be expected from Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin, or Ferrari. However, he confidently asserts that they will avoid falling into the same traps as last year. The challenge ahead is immense; bridging this significant gap requires a collective effort and innovative thinking. With their newfound understanding of the car and performance factors gained over the past 12 months, Russell believes Mercedes has done an impressive job in identifying what is needed for success.
As we eagerly anticipate the next Formula 1 season, all eyes will be on Mercedes to see how their bold decision regarding ‘zeropod’ design pays off with the W15. Will it prove to be a game-changer or another chapter in Red Bull’s ongoing dominance? Only time will tell.