Mercedes is set to prioritize evolution with its W16 Formula 1 car. The team has announced that their 2025 car will be closely related to the current W15, as they prepare for significant regulation changes in 2026. Last winter, Mercedes decided to revamp their car concept in order to eliminate the persistent issues that plagued their previous models. Despite a slow start and balance problems, Mercedes has recently experienced a resurgence, winning three out of four races. However, Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director, has dismissed claims that their recent success makes them the leading team in F1. Shovlin highlighted that the W15 struggles in hot conditions, as demonstrated by their inability to keep pace with McLaren and Red Bull in Austria and Hungary.
He acknowledged that progress has been made, but emphasized the need for continuous development to stay competitive. The future remains uncertain, as Mercedes can only plan ahead for the next month or six weeks due to the limitations of their wind tunnel. The team hopes to continue delivering performance through their vehicle dynamics and mechanical design groups, but acknowledges the challenges of translating ideas into tangible improvements on the car.
Mercedes has experienced a remarkable turnaround thanks to an ambitious development plan, which they intend to continue with stable regulations in 2025. However, Shovlin, a key figure in the team, acknowledges that there will come a time when they must decide whether to implement certain parts on the current car or wait until the W16 is launched. The team will continue their relentless pursuit of performance at the factory, making aggressive development a top priority. As the year progresses, discussions will arise regarding whether to focus on the current car or prioritize the next one, considering the trade-off between performance gains and cost due to the cost cap.
Their goal is to be competitive at the front of the grid next year, which will influence the decisions they make. Additionally, teams are already working on next year’s car, gradually shifting resources from the current one. However, there may be similarities between the two cars, as what works on the current car might also work on the next one. The challenge in 2026 will be different, as it will involve a completely new design. While the successor to the W15 will be closely related to the current car, there are still crucial aspects that need to be determined. Decisions regarding the chassis and gearbox have not yet been made, as the team evaluates the best return on investment within the cost cap. Nevertheless, it is expected that aerodynamically, the car will be an evolution of the current model, with significant changes but without altering the overall architecture to avoid setbacks in the wind tunnel.
Photo from Mercedes Instagram
