From a rocky start to racing dominance, Mercedes’ W15 has undergone a dramatic transformation this season. Here’s how the team turned things around:
- The W15 began the season with unrealized potential, leaving Mercedes struggling.
- A new floor in Miami marked the start of significant improvements.
- A front wing upgrade in Monaco further boosted the car’s performance.
- These changes turned the W15 into one of the fastest cars, with wins for both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Mercedes’ W15 started the 2024 season with high hopes but quickly ran into issues unlocking its potential. The initial performance was disappointing, making the car one of the slower contenders on the grid. However, a strategic series of upgrades began to make a significant difference.
The first major upgrade came in Miami, where Mercedes introduced a new floor design. This change was pivotal, addressing handling issues and marking the beginning of a turnaround for the W15.
Next, a front wing upgrade scheduled for later in the season was pushed forward to Monaco. This addition further enhanced the car’s aerodynamics, making it more competitive. By Monaco, the W15 transformed into a vehicle that could consistently be improved upon.
The results of these upgrades were evident as the season progressed. The W15 became one of the quickest cars on the track, with both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton securing wins before the summer break. The team’s ability to identify and solve problems effectively paved the way for this success.
Reflecting on the season, Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ head of trackside engineering, acknowledged the challenges and the steps taken to overcome them. Shovlin noted that the early part of the year was fraught with difficulties, including fluctuating car behavior and overheating rear tires. However, each solved problem clarified the path forward, ultimately leading to improved performance.
Despite a rocky start, the continuous improvements and resilience of the Mercedes team have paid off. Shovlin emphasized that the motivation within the team remained high, even during tough times, and restructuring efforts have set the stage for future success. The journey of the W15 in 2024 is a testament to the team’s hard work and strategic upgrades.
As the season moves forward, Mercedes aims to build on this solid foundation and continue their upward trajectory.
Source: Planetf1
