Mercedes have struggled to understand F1’s new regulations in the past two years. Image: @fiagirly/X
Mercedes admits they could get next year’s F1 car wrong again
“I mean, there’s almost every component that’s being changed because only by doing that, I think we have a chance,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
Mercedes have struggled to understand F1’s new regulations in the past two years. Image: @fiagirly/X
Despite finishing second in the constructors championship behind Red Bull, Mercedes had a very disappointing 2023 Formula One season.
The Brackley-based team says they are changing almost “every component” of their car next year in a bid to get back to winning ways.
ALSO READ: Russell helps Mercedes secure second place in the constructors race
Their zero sidepod concept failed them for two years now and team principal Toto Wolff admitted that the team got it wrong again this season.
“We are changing the concept,” said Wolff.
Mercedes struggled with zero sidepod concept for too long
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“We are completely moving away from how we laid out the chassis, the weight distribution, the airflow.
“I mean, literally, there’s almost every component that’s being changed because only by doing that, I think we have a chance.
“We could get it wrong also. So, between not gaining what we expect, catching up and making a big step and competing in the front, everything is possible,” said Mercedes boss.
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The new W14 Mercedes car promised to offer more but after the first race in Bahrain this year, the team decided to abandon their concept which saw them lose ground on Red Bull. Their customer teams such as Aston Martin and McLaren did a better job than Merc and appear to understand the ground effect regulations better.
Despite a spirited effort from Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes failed to win a single race for the first time in over a decade.
ALSO READ: ‘If I was in Red Bull, Verstappen will not be having it easy’ – Lewis Hamilton
Asked by Motorsport.com if ending the year second was something to celebrate or move on from, Wolff said: “I think we need to take it on the chin, be humble about it and consider it a good day. Nevertheless, there’s a Mount Everest to climb in order to catch up with Red Bull.
Time will tell if Mercedes will return to the top again.
