Lewis Hamilton, the British driver of the Mercedes AMG F1 W15, has expressed the need for improvement in cornering balance so that Mercedes can compete with the leading teams in the 2024 Formula 1 season. Currently, Mercedes is struggling in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship and has yet to secure a podium in eight races. However, recent updates to the car have given the team a new hope. Hamilton, who will move to Ferrari in 2025, has praised the hard work and determination of the Mercedes team, stating that they are closing the gap to the Red Bulls. He is optimistic about the team’s chances of moving closer to the front and securing a spot among the top three. Hamilton has also revealed that he will use an updated front wing in the next race, which he believes will contribute to the team’s progress.
Mercedes has been playing catch-up since the unexpected rise of ground effect cars, which has left their “zeropod” concept falling short of expectations. However, with significant changes in 2024, Hamilton is pleased to report that the W15 has been more cooperative than its predecessor. Despite this progress, the seven-time champion admits that achieving consistent balance in all phases of corners is still a challenge for Mercedes, unlike their competitors.
According to Hamilton, the most notable improvement this year has been in the quality of driving and lowering the car’s height, something that other teams have managed to achieve. He also highlights the increased stability and predictability of the car during corner entry. However, Mercedes still struggles to maintain balance throughout corners, an area where other teams have made significant strides. This is the aspect they are currently working on improving.
Meanwhile, Russell sees his fifth place in Monaco as a possible turning point for the team. He believes that the fierce competition on a slow track has shown their progress. Russell remains hopeful that, if the weather conditions are in their favor, anything can happen in the next race. However, he acknowledges that Mercedes has not yet had a breakthrough moment and emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement to close the performance gap.
While Russell believes the team has recently found a clearer direction, he cannot predict when these changes will be reflected in their results. The team remains committed to seeking incremental gains and unlocking their maximum potential.
