The 2022 Formula 1 season has been an eventful one for Mercedes as they continue to push the boundaries of car performance and make significant improvements to their W14. After testing the ‘zeropod’ car architecture, the team decided to switch to a downwash philosophy with the addition of a ‘waterslide’ similar to McLaren and Aston Martin. In this article, we will delve into the progress made by Mercedes, as well as the challenges they still face in their pursuit of success.
Positive Performances and Progress
Mercedes showcased their progress with the upgraded W14 at the Spanish Grand Prix where Lewis Hamilton led the team to a 2-3 result. This impressive performance was built upon the earlier boost the team received in Barcelona when George Russell secured a third-place finish. Since then, Hamilton has consistently achieved podium finishes, including qualifying on pole in Hungary. Despite the positive results, the ‘supertimes’ metric indicates that Mercedes is still slightly behind Red Bull, with a deficit reducing from 0.504% in Monaco to 0.502% in Silverstone and 0.866% in Spa.
Hamilton himself has commended the team for their hard work and the significant steps taken to improve the car’s performance. The progress achieved since Monaco has been remarkable, with a better understanding of the car’s position and increased consistency leading to podium finishes and top-five results. Furthermore, Mercedes has earned praise for their solid reliability, which is a crucial factor in a highly competitive sport like Formula 1.
Areas for Improvement
While Mercedes has made strides forward, there are still areas where they need to make improvements. Hamilton highlighted a lack of downforce and balance as the key challenges. The issue of balance became apparent early in the season when Hamilton felt disconnected from the car due to the cockpit being positioned further forward compared to Red Bull and Ferrari. This imbalance has hindered their performance, and rectifying it remains a priority for the team.
Additionally, Mercedes acknowledges the need for more downforce, a perennial goal for Formula 1 teams. The pursuit of increased downforce is necessary to improve grip, cornering speed, and overall performance. The Mercedes team at the factory is fully focused on addressing these challenges and working relentlessly to enhance the car’s aerodynamic capabilities.
Looking Ahead
Currently occupying fourth place in the drivers’ championship, Hamilton aims to secure third place by the end of the season. However, he expects a shuffle in the competitive order behind Red Bull as the campaign progresses. Aston Martin’s sudden decline and McLaren’s strength in the second phase of the season are factors that could potentially alter the standings. Close competition with Ferrari further underscores the potential for movement in the positions.
Ultimately, Hamilton expresses hope that Mercedes can further improve and maintain their positions in the constructors’ championship. The team’s determination and focus are unwavering as they strive to secure second place and continue their pursuit of success. As the second half of the season approaches, the challenges and opportunities faced by Mercedes will shape the outcome of their campaign.
Mercedes’ journey in the 2022 Formula 1 season has been marked by significant progress and notable challenges. While the team has made important strides forward, particularly in terms of understanding the car’s position and achieving more consistent results, there is still work to be done. A lack of balance and downforce are the primary areas requiring further improvement. Nonetheless, Hamilton and the Mercedes team remain resolute in their pursuit of success and are confident in their ability to overcome these challenges. As the season progresses, the competitive order behind Red Bull is expected to shift, providing opportunities for Mercedes to advance their positions in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championship.
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