Mercedes F1 will forgo the draggy gearbox of previous years’ design in favor of a more conventional chassis for the W15. – Reports
According to reports, Mercedes F1 will make major chassis alterations to the W15 model in the 2018 season.
The eight-time Constructors’ champion has fallen significantly behind Red Bull Racing in the last two seasons and lost its title to them. In 2022, the Silver Arrows came in third place, much behind Red Bull and Ferrari.
The German team’s 2023 campaign wasn’t any better; they finished the season without a win and 451 points behind Red Bull. Fans were expecting big things from the W14 enhancements that were unveiled in the first half of the season, following a lackluster start to their 2023 campaign.
To the dismay of Mercedes fans, though, the team’s subpar performance persisted as they were unable to get momentum. Formu1a.uno (via @FastestPitStop on X) claims that the Silver Arrows are reportedly making big alterations to their W15 model as we approach 2024.
The chassis and gearbox options, which previously constrained the team’s advancement, are a primary focus of the redesign. The W14’s heavy gearbox choice appears to have increased drag, which negatively affected the car’s performance and contributed to the team’s poor performance.
All Formula One teams have the opportunity to review and update their designs during the impending winter break, and the Brackley-based team is taking advantage of this time to remove the limitations that have hampered them in the past.
The W15 is anticipated to break from the ideas that appear to have held them back, bringing a drastically different, more conventional chassis and a more compact drivetrain.
Toto Wolff on Mercedes’s “completely moving away” from its earlier ideas
Prior to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff provided more details on the scope of the team’s improvements. Through Motorsport.com, he stated:
“We are changing the concept. We are completely moving away from how we laid out the chassis, the weight distribution, the airflow.”
“I mean, literally, there’s almost every component that’s being changed because only by doing that, I think we have a chance,” he added.
However, Wolff also acknowledged the inherent risks associated with such a significant overhaul. He stated:
“We could get it wrong also. So, between not gaining what we expect, catching up and making a big step and competing in the front, everything is possible.”
But Wolff also recognized that there were risks involved in making such a big change. He said:
“We could get it wrong also. So, between not gaining what we expect, catching up and making a big step and competing in the front, everything is possible.”
It remains to be seen if Mercedes’ drastic adjustments would pay off in the next campaign. George Russell’s victory at Interlagos in November 2022 marked their most recent victory.
