10 years ago, the Mercedes W03 seemed born under a lucky star

And to think that this team, under the name Brawn GP, ​​ex-Honda, won the 2009 Drivers' and Manufacturers' world titles with disconcerting ease. Unfortunately, it only benefited from an aerodynamic discovery, the double diffuser, brought to light by Honda before the Japanese manufacturer decided to leave the F1. Ross Brawn took over the system, exploited it magnificently, but cut his squad so much to ensure his survival that his team found itself destitute in several fundamental areas.

Will the W03 allow Schumacher to reconnect with the joys of the podium?

If its recovery by Mercedes, at the end of 2009, was a wonderful financial affair for the heirs of Honda, mainly Ross Brawn and his partner Nick Fry (not to be confused with Pat Fry, the technical director of Ferrari), the German manufacturer found itself with a poorly sharpened tool, the reconstruction of which required a significant investment. Enough to cause hesitation in high places. By withdrawing from the capital of McLaren, Mercedes has found the means that its own team needs. The ramp-up could then begin. Simulation tools, CFD (computer-assisted fluid dynamics), recruitment of several unknown specialists, and above all a trio of “stars”: Bob Bell (ex-Renaul