In Barcelona, ​​developments will tell if Mercedes is on the right direction or not

« We are always 100% focused on our concept. If we were already starting to distribute our efforts and our resources 50-50% between our end of season and 2023, then we might as well stop everything and focus on next year 100%. But we believe a lot in our car. On paper, the Spec 1 used during winter testing in Barcelona is slower, however we mainly need to find out how our current car can be more predictable for the drivers. In any case, before possibly changing the concept, you need to understand the good and bad points. This is a question we will ask ourselves after Barcelona, ​​because we will have more of a correlation there. From there, we will look in the mirror and know if we were wrong or not! » After the Miami Grand Prix, Toto wolff had ticked off Barcelona as a decisive meeting for Mercedes and the rest of the 2022 season.

On a track where it has already been able to collect data thanks to winter testing last February with its Spec 1 which has since lost its sidepods, the German team presents itself with an improved version of its Spec 2. The aim is obviously to reduce the gap with the leading group and allow Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to invite himself more often into the fight for the podium and why not victory.

This shot though 📸🔥 Tomorrow, we take to the track! 😈 pic.twitter.com/73AIFsSifb

—Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 19, 2022

In Barcelona, ​​Mercedes will have the opportunity to make a first comparison on the evolution of its W13. The data collected during pre-season testing will allow Brackley engineers to judge the performance of the latest developments on the Silver Arrows.

« Every time I arrive on a weekend, I hope everything goes well, says Lewis Hamilton. We are working as hard as possible as a team to try to move forward and be able to make improvements. I'm very proud of the whole team and I hope we notice the difference.

This is a very good track for testing. We were able to collect data when we drove the car here for the first time (during winter testing in February). It will be interesting to see how much we have progressed since then. »

Crucial meeting for Mercedes

With a revisited and above all updated Spec 2, Mercedes is facing a key weekend in its season. Ahead of the pack but behind Red Bull et Ferrari, the brand with the star can no longer afford to miss its appointments. A message well received internally.

🔥📸 pic.twitter.com/2Jl2QdR1s0

- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) May 20, 2022

« I think this weekend will be very important for us, like most weekends, recognizes George Russell, aware of the progress still to be made. But Rome wasn't built in a day and it takes time to first recognize the problems, develop parts at the factory to try to solve those problems and then try to implement them.

We don't have a lot of track time. Miami allowed us to have a first glimpse of the direction to take. This weekend should allow us to have a second one. Then we can draw a conclusion and know if we should continue on this path or if we should take another one. If it's the right one, however, I don't think we will suddenly be on the top step of the podium. But no matter, we will have positive feedback from this weekend."

For his part, Lewis Hamilton was more reserved when attacking the Spanish Grand Prix with his Spec 2 2.0. Although he is aware of the importance of the Hispanic meeting, the seven-time world champion does not want to go too quickly.

« I'm not a designer so I don't want to give my opinion to say if the design is good or not, explains the Briton. Il (design) looks different from others. I think he's unique and that's what we stand for as a team: always innovating and coming up with interesting concepts.

This weekend we will know if we are in the right direction, if not we will rule it out (design) to take another direction. This doesn't mean we have to start from scratch.. » Mercedes is at a crossroads. If the improvements bear fruit, the German team could continue to bank on a gradual return to business. Otherwise, it could start to seriously think about the rest of its season even if it means limiting the development of the W13.

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