Mercedes may have finally achieved what they have desperately pursued since the beginning of the new era of Formula 1 ground effect, two years ago, based on the tests conducted in Bahrain.
In the past two years, the team has gone from being a contender for the 2021 title to fighting to be the best among a distant group of teams that are behind Red Bull. During this time, they have only managed to secure one victory in the Grand Prix.
At this time last year, Mercedes realized that sticking with their 2022 concept for 2023 was a mistake. They spent the last 12 months reversing their direction and adopting a new concept.
The W15 is the result of this new direction, and the initial feedback has been positive after three days of testing. However, it is unlikely to surpass Red Bull at this stage.
According to Mercedes’ engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, “We have made significant progress in understanding the W15 compared to last year’s car. The drivers’ feedback is very different and more positive, which is encouraging. We have solved the handling issues that plagued the W14, and it’s great that we have overcome many of these problems. Throughout the test, we have gained a better understanding of the car. Our focus now is to analyze the results and prepare the best package for the next race weekend. It’s difficult to predict our pace based on testing, as teams are skilled at hiding their true performance. However, it’s clear that we are in a much better position than 12 months ago.”
The lap times achieved by Mercedes during testing were not particularly impressive. George Russell’s best time was half a second slower than Charles Leclerc’s benchmark on the third day of testing and four tenths behind Carlos Sainz’s fastest lap throughout the test. The general consensus in the paddock suggests that Mercedes has taken a small step back compared to last year, potentially putting them as the third fastest team for now. The on-track performance has been inconsistent, with some races causing more problems than others.
Despite these factors, Mercedes’ preseason assessment is the most positive they have had in this era of regulations. This indicates that the team may finally be making progress after two challenging years. However, it is important to note that Mercedes recognizes the need for further improvements, which is expected considering the major overhaul in car design.
In the past, Mercedes has struggled with certain characteristics that made their car difficult to handle. Therefore, it is encouraging to hear Shovlin state that the W15 has overcome many of these issues. Both Shovlin and Russell believe that the team is in a much better position compared to 12 months ago, and Lewis Hamilton has also made positive comments about the test, describing it as “very good” and “very encouraging”. However, Hamilton also acknowledged that there is still work to be done and they have not yet reached the desired level.
The reason for Mercedes’ positive assessment is not only based on pure performance or their position in the hierarchy. It is mainly about establishing a solid foundation on which they can build. Despite recognizing that the current version of the W15 is not enough, Mercedes is satisfied with the progress they have made in creating a functional platform.
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Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen achieved an impressive victory at the Monaco Grand Prix last Sunday. Verstappen, from the Red Bull Racing team, led the race from start to finish, showcasing skill and determination. With this win, Verstappen solidifies himself as one of the top contenders of the season.
The race in Monaco is known to be one of the most challenging on the Formula 1 calendar. With its narrow streets and tight corners, the track demands precision and courage from the drivers. Verstappen demonstrated great control and concentration throughout the race, making no mistakes and maintaining a comfortable lead over his competitors.
This victory is even more special for Verstappen as it is his first win in Monaco. The Dutch driver had already achieved multiple victories in his career, but this is undoubtedly one of the most significant. Verstappen is now in second position in the world drivers‘ championship, behind only Lewis Hamilton.
The Red Bull Racing team is also celebrating Verstappen’s performance. With a smart strategy and flawless execution, the team secured a dominant victory. This is the team’s second consecutive win, showing great pace this season.
The next Formula 1 race will be the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which will take place next weekend. Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing team will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure more important points in the championship. It will be interesting to see how they perform on a completely different track from Monaco.
Verstappen’s fans and Formula 1 fans are certainly excited about the performance of the Dutch driver. Verstappen has proven to be a formidable competitor and is establishing himself as one of the sport’s top names. At only 24 years old, he still has plenty of time ahead to achieve even more victories and titles.
The 2024 Formula 1 season promises to be thrilling, with Verstappen and Hamilton competing for the top of the championship. Fans can’t wait for the next race and see who will come out victorious. It will be an intense and exciting battle until the end.
