Mercedes has a quick return to F1 in mind. He wants to put it into practice because, as he himself specified Toto Wolff today, it finally seems that the right direction regarding developments is taking place. For this reason everything has already been planned, with a series of update split over the next few months which, on paper, should overturn the attitude of the W15 on the track. This is the longing that as always awaits confirmation on the track, because it is not the first time that we have heard such words without having factual confirmation.
The historic stable Mercedes for the moment she is sailing behind the leaders, in fact still far from the three top team who are currently fighting at the top. However, some progress has been made and by Imola encouraging signs have arrived. Element a little hidden from the final result on the banks of the Santernobut easily confirmed by observing the handling and listening to the words of the pilots via the on board.
Friday in Imola was very positive for both drivers of the three-pointed star, but unfortunately, already on Saturday, the seven-time world champion of the future Ferrari driver Lewis Hamiltonpointed out that the level of grip everything about his car was less than optimal. The faults are to be found in some small changes relating to the set-up of his single-seater F1. We are referring in particular to one of the current problems of W15: small “disturbances” to the car settings which lead to significantly different results on the track.
Precisely for this region it is much more difficult than expected to hit the correct operational window of the German car, which is therefore rather narrow. From Brackley However, there is a certain optimism. Technicians and engineers describe themselves as very confident and during the Italian weekend they underlined several times how are preparing a further upgrade for the W15 which will see the light very soon appearing on the car. The primary objective is to find a correct and stable balance. This is thought to be the key to also widening the operational window of the single-seater and optimizing results.
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During a weekend Of F1a very unstable behavior of the car and “strange” responses to changes in setup, they often indicate a problem relating to the compounds. We know how the W15 suffers from a general overheating at the rear. Furthermore, on a global level, German cars tend to have a setup that doesn’t get along very well with all the compound topologies churned out by the Italian manufacturer Pirelli. There working range The optimal position of the tire drives technicians and drivers crazy, as getting it right and maintaining it is really complicated. Very often, therefore, Mercedes tend to go above the optimal operating window.
As a result, the entire balance worsens. First of all because the four tires, without the ideal temperature, they have an unsuitable pressure which consequently produces an imprint of the unwanted compound on the ground. Very negative effect on the compounds. The team arrives at Monk with many hopes, but also with various uncertainties. The track has a layout particular and requires completely different characteristics compared to the other circuits in the calendar F1. This opens up different opportunities for each team. Mercedes seems to be on the right path to finding a more stable load. From this point of view Montecarlo it will be a big challenge.
During the lap the surface undergoes huge variations in height, greater than other routes. So, here more than ever, it will be necessary to have a floor that is not very sensitive to variations to stabilize the vertical thrust. The W15 still lacks a certain amount of “absolute downforce” compared to the competitor. In some races, such as in Japanthe Mercedes he struggled a lot in the slow corners, where he really lacked a lot grip mechanical generated by the bottom. We are referring to a truly complex headache which is also partly linked to an aero-mechanical interaction that is difficult to interpret.
To be effective in large radius curves, Mercedes it must stiffen the suspension elements, an aspect that limits grip in the slower sections of the track. Precisely for this reason, Andrew Shovlin said he was confident on circuits that would require less compromise between fast and slow, just like Monaco. Furthermore, a Imolamoving the balance back towards the rear axle, the W15 responded quite well enjoying a front end quite solid. As mentioned, the award-winning team is sure to have understood the current limitations of W15 and knowing how to solve them.
Above all because, as explained earlier, one of the most “visible” problems remains that linked to the inappropriate management of the compounds. TO Montecarlo This aspect is very important, because having the temperatures balanced by front end and rear axle is necessary. Among all the single-seaters of F1, Mercedes seems to be the one most at risk on this front together with Aston Martin. In traction the W15 it will also try to unleash hybrid power, where the ability of the rear to put the horsepower to the ground will be put to the test. In fact, every micro slip of the tire causes greater friction on its surface, unwanted overheating and a loss of performance.
Authors: Alessandro Arcari – @berrageiz – Niccolo Arnerich – @niccoloarnerich
Images: Mercedes AMG F1 Team – F1Tv
