Mercedes F1 representative, 2023 machine W14 “discovered a big chunk of performance”[F1-Gate.com]

The Mercedes F1 team is aiming to return to the front of the grid and believes it has unleashed a “big chunk” of performance in its 2023 F1 car design.

The Mercedes F1 team has endured a tricky season in which the W13 suffered from porpoising/bouncing and failed to perform well enough to match Red Bull and Ferrari.

The Mercedes F1 team’s chances of a quick recovery are further hampered by budget caps. That meant they couldn’t afford to change the current W13 during the season.

But with the budget reset for 2023 and the Mercedes F1 team having a better idea of ​​where the W13 is lacking, they are optimistic about the level of progress they can achieve with their W14 car next season.

Asked about how the Mercedes F1 team understands the 2023 F1 car, team principal Toto Wolff commented: “Turning a ship in this industry is a bit like an oil tanker.”

“First we have to understand the root causes of underperformance. Then we have to peel off the various skins. What is the first layer? What is the second layer? Are you able to resolve the issue?”

“And the answer is no.

“It’s not something we can change this year. It’s a decision we’ve made for next year.”

“But I can’t say with 100% confidence that we will be fighting for the world championship here next year. The target is expected, but there is still work to be done.”

Lewis Hamilton marked the third fastest time of 0.054 seconds from pole position at the F1 Singapore GP. The Mercedes F1 team came close to its second pole position of the season in Singapore.

However, despite fighting on the front lines, Toto Wolff downplayed the performance as a testament to the team’s progress, instead suggesting that the result was simply the result of Lewis Hamilton’s brilliance at the wheel.

“This was his home and I don’t think it was easy to drive the car,” said Wolff.

“It’s been difficult all year. I think I’m always fighting for pole position, which is good, because I’m used to the last few years. But the fact is he drove the car. I think it depends.”

“It was a knife edge. I think if he put together a lap he could get pole position, but I think he will be very happy with his performance.”

“As our simulation said, apart from the bumps, it’s one of those tracks that should have suited us better, and that was exactly the driver’s comment. The ride is really bad and the car stiffens. Tone”

“But the aero seems to work with the bandwidth, so it looks better than many other circuits.”

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Category: F1 / mercedes

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