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Formula 1, presentations 2024: Mercedes
The former series world champions from Mercedes are starting their last Formula 1 year with Lewis Hamilton remarkably cautiously. “We know that it is a steep climb to the top, there are no miracles in this sport,” said Mercedes motorsport director Toto Wolff on Wednesday as part of the presentation of the new W15: “I hope we are right at the start of the season in the chasing group and hopefully one step closer to Red Bull.”
The new car, this year in black and silver, appears to have been completely overhauled despite the stable regulations. “Almost every component has been changed because I think that’s the only way we have a chance,” said Wolff. In addition to the aerodynamic adjustments, there were also many mechanical changes that are not visible from the outside.
After the unsuccessful experiment with very small side pods at the beginning of the preseason, Mercedes, like the other teams, is now fully relying on the so-called downwash structure and adapting the vehicle concept to it. The Silver Arrows are also taking a new approach to the rear suspension.
A more reliable rear axle for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, as well as more speed on the straights, are the two main goals with the new car – which will be Hamilton’s last Mercedes company car. The record world champion is moving to Ferrari at the end of the year; this sensational transfer has been known for about two weeks.
It was “emotional and very surreal” to unveil this Mercedes now, said Hamilton, “after eleven years with the team, before my twelfth.” Overall, however, the change to the competitor was hardly an issue at the presentation; it had been a “busy winter,” Wolff simply said: “It’s our last season with Lewis, which is precisely why we want to produce a fast car.”
Last season, Mercedes recognized problems with its initial concept quite early on and made adjustments during ongoing operations, but the new ideas could only now really be implemented for the W15. The team finished 2023 in second place overall, just ahead of Ferrari. Red Bull with world champion Max Verstappen was far ahead of both teams.
2024-02-16 23:55:28
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