Paddy Lowe: “Little up-to-date data” in Austin

Personalized free practice 2 canceled, significant financial consequences... the passage of Hurricane Patricia had left traces for the United States Grand Prix in 2015. But beyond the financial aspect, also made delicate after the reduction in subsidies granted by the state, the climatic conditions experienced last year will have some impact for the teams this season.

As Paddy Lowe, executive director of technology at Mercedes, the disruption of running in Texas twelve months ago did not allow the teams to work under normal conditions.

“We actually have very little updated data from which to establish the performance of the car and tires on this circuit, explains Lowe. Teams will therefore have to work based on 2014 data, which is an unusual challenge before entering a race weekend. »

However, if optimism remains in order (Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton remaining on two consecutive victories in Austin), a certain pressure remains in the Mercedes clan, which must now manage the fight between its two drivers.

“The title will be between them, which is fantastic news for the team, and we will be happy whatever the final result, comments Toto wolff, boss of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

However, the pressure is on to ensure their fight is decided between men, and we hope wheel to wheel on track. We celebrated our success in the Manufacturers' Championship, but we have a responsibility to the drivers and nothing should distract us from the task at hand."