Mercedes remained out of the fight in the 2023 Formula 1 season. The team realized that it took the wrong approach by being too cautious with the 2022 car and is looking for solutions that will bring the car closer to the front of the grid.
Technical director James Allison states that they want more downforce, while a special effort has been made to improve the handling and stability of the W14.
Regarding the planned improvements, Allison said, “Successful downforce is always zamthe moment is a good thing.” says. "We're also trying to make the car more reassuring for the drivers in the corners."
“When they come to the apex, they face the opposite problem; the first time you turn the wheel it becomes unstable and the car is annoyingly dead at the apex. We want the opposite. That's what we're working on."
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the team could unlock a lot of potential in a car that would make Lewis Hamilton and George Russell feel more comfortable.
“When it comes to balance and feel, we need to offer our drivers a more reliable vehicle and platform,” Wolff said. says. "It's not about the downforce, it's the fact that they know the car will be stable when they take the corner, and that's not the case for now."
"This is a big focus for us because it will give the drivers more confidence and with that comes more performance."
Mercedes is starting to shift its resources to more and more 2024 vehicles. However, Allison thinks that any improvements they find at the factory can still be applied to the W14.
“At this stage of the year, the wind tunnel is largely focused on 2024,” Allison said. says. “A large part of the drawing office is starting to work on vehicle dynamics, production with long lead times. From the summer break, next year's car will be largely planned. However, this is the same zamIt also offers opportunities for the W14 at the same time.”
While the ultimate goal is to fight for the title again, Allison says it will be important to finish 2023 as the second team behind Red Bull.
“We were fourth fastest at the start of the year, which was frustrating when we looked at Aston Martin. Also, Ferrari was passing us.” says.
“Now we are slowly leaving them behind, and everything plays a part in that. Everything from strategy to engineering, durability, production, and pilots' efforts to turn opportunities into points plays a part.”
“Although it lags behind our initial goals, getting second place is still very important to all of us. Especially in the second half of the season when the pointer will shift to W15.”
