Mercedes’ Latest Rear Suspension Update Faces Ultimate Challenge in F1’s Austrian Grand Prix
Mercedes has brought back its rear suspension package, first seen at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, to combat rear tire overheating issues with the W16 Formula 1 car. After a rocky start in Imola, the team temporarily set aside the new suspension for Monaco and Spain races to gather comparative data. The lack of conclusive evidence led them to reintegrate the update for the Canadian Grand Prix, where track temperatures reached nearly 50C.
Despite uncertainties, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed optimism, stating, “We brought the new rear geometry for that particular problem that we had, the rear surface overheating. And we weren’t quite sure about the results in Imola because they were worse than we expected.”
As the Formula 1 circus heads to Austria, the true test awaits Mercedes and its revamped rear suspension. With temperatures expected to soar, reaching up to 30C ambient temperature, the Red Bull Ring’s track conditions could prove challenging. In hotter climates, Mercedes had encountered rear tire graining issues last season, leading to a loss of grip.
The new rear suspension design aims to maintain consistent surface and carcass temperatures by altering load paths to the rear tires. This adjustment should better equip the team to handle the various corners of the Austrian circuit, especially with the C3-4-5 tire range in use.
Austria’s track layout, with its mix of corners and increased load on the left-hand tires, will provide a crucial test for Mercedes’ updated suspension. The team will be closely monitoring how the new setup copes with the demands of the Red Bull Ring, offering insights into its effectiveness in optimizing tire performance.
The outcome of Mercedes’ latest engineering feat will be under scrutiny during the Austrian Grand Prix, as the team aims to conquer the challenges posed by the high temperatures and demanding track conditions.
