At Mercedes, there is no question of giving up on a new piece that has not convinced the audience. Even less when it comes to an element as important and complex to develop and produce as the floor. Thus, the new version of the latter will be visible in the Netherlands this weekend, both on the W15 of George Russell and of Lewis Hamilton.
However, the updated floor had not brought satisfaction at Spa-Francorchamps before the break, when George Russell had the opportunity to try it on Friday. Without hesitation, the German team decided to switch back to the old version in order not to be affected by the competition. A choice which visibly bore fruit given the final result (initially a double before George Russell was disqualified, Lewis Hamilton inheriting the victory).
However, there was no question of questioning this new floor or attributing to it all the lack of competitiveness of the Mercedes at the opening of the Belgian Grand Prix. According to the Star, this can be explained by many different factors, and not just because of one.
« I will use it on Friday while Lewis will be on the Spa version (Friday) but we see no problem with that, told George Russell on the famous floor. I think we weren't competitive on Friday at Spa for different reasons. This is where the challenge lies when you make changes to the car. There are thousands of reasons why you may or may not be competitive. It was a factor, but it wasn't the cause of Friday's lack of performance. 99% chance we'll both finish the weekend with the new floor »
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
23/08/2024 at 01:26 a.m.
To better combat the gusts of wind in the Zandvoort dunes?