Mercedes Unveils Early Insights from Bahrain W15 Testing

Mercedes recently revealed valuable data from its preliminary testing of its new car, the W15, in Bahrain. The car’s presentation at Silverstone has already revealed a significant redesign, but now the team’s technical director, James Allison, has provided additional details on the improvements implemented.

One of the team’s focuses was to address the previous car’s unpredictable rear end features, which often made drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell uncomfortable. Allison explained that special attention was paid to making the rear end more predictable, especially in the early stages of the turn when the driver brakes and turns.

To achieve this desired stability, Mercedes invested in improvements in terms of both aerodynamics and mechanical changes. The team took a comprehensive approach, switching to a proprietary version of the pushrod rear suspension and a new gearbox design.

Furthermore, efforts have been made to improve the aerodynamic efficiency, especially when the DRS (Drag Reduction System) system is in operation. This was a direct response to managers’ concerns the previous season.

Allison also stressed that Mercedes focused on building a car with less drag, which delivers better cornering performance. This optimization is important to ensure a competitive advantage, especially on tracks with long straights where DRS is frequently activated.

Another point of improvement highlighted by the Technical Director was in the pit stops. Although the team was already competent in this area, they attempted to further reduce the time spent during stoppages, with the aim of matching or even surpassing the best teams in this area.

It’s worth noting that Mercedes has to make strategic decisions about where to allocate its resources due to Formula 1’s current budget constraints. Investment in a new chassis and gearbox took up a significant portion of the budget, allowing the team to avoid major reinventions in other areas of the car.

These revelations are indicative of Mercedes’ balanced and strategic approach to the season, showing a focus on cost sensitivity and continuous improvement. Fan expectations are high as the start of the season approaches, eager to see how these changes will affect the team’s performance in future races.