F1 News: Mercedes Rear End Worries Addressed On For 2024- “Performance In The Corners”

Mercedes technical director, James Allison, unveils the enhancements made to the all-new 2024 Mercedes W15 car, focusing on cornering performance improvements.

Key Takeaways:

• Mercedes’ technical team addresses concerns highlighted by drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, focusing on enhancing rear-end stability for better cornering performance.
• The cost cap posed challenges, but the team strategically allocated resources to critical areas such as a new gearbox and chassis development.
• Apart from rear-end stability, significant efforts were made to reduce drag, enhance aerodynamics, and improve pitstop performance.

Mercedes is gearing up for the 2024 Formula 1 season with significant improvements to their latest car, the W15. After facing challenges in previous years under the new ground effect regulations, the team has worked tirelessly to address key concerns, particularly focusing on enhancing cornering performance, as highlighted by technical director James Allison.

Speaking at the unveiling of the W15 at Silverstone, Allison emphasized the team’s commitment to creating a more stable rear-end section, a significant area of concern for drivers. He explained, “A big focus has been on improving the previous car’s unpredictable rear axle, which the drivers often referred to as spiteful.” Allison elaborated on the importance of providing drivers with a car that offers reassurance and predictability, especially during high-speed cornering maneuvers.

Addressing the challenges posed by the cost cap, Allison acknowledged the need to make strategic decisions in allocating resources. Despite limitations, the team prioritized essential upgrades such as a new gearbox and chassis development. Allison stated, “The cost cap does force you to pick and choose your battles… having a new outer casing as well as at the same time as having a new chassis are two big projects that are going to take a chunk of our available firepower.”

Furthermore, Mercedes focused on enhancing aerodynamics to reduce drag and improve overall performance on the track. Allison highlighted improvements in DRS effectiveness and pitstop performance, aiming to close the gap with rival teams. He noted, “We’ve also worked hard to create a less draggy car, and to add performance in the corners… The repeatable time that we could do our pitstops in was still three to four tenths slower than the best teams, though. So hopefully, we will have moved in the right direction there.”

As the new season approaches, Mercedes’ comprehensive upgrades to the W15 reflect their determination to reclaim dominance in Formula 1, with a renewed focus on cornering prowess and overall performance on the track.