Why isn't Mercedes changing its aerodynamic concept?

After a successful Spanish Grand Prix, Mercedes was unable to extend his state of grace in Monaco. In the Principality, the Silver Arrows failed to get involved in the battle between Red Bull et Ferrari without much surprise and have found the rhythm they had before Catalonia. Like the start of their season, George Russell was 8 tenths behind the poleman Charles Leclerc while Lewis Hamilton he was more than a second away! So obviously, the questions are back regarding the zero pontoon concept. Should we follow the example ofAston Martin and start from scratch after only 7 Grands Prix? 

Toto wolff, the main team of the team, does not agree and prefers to take a step back from the situation. “ If you want to change concepts, you need to understand how the new concept will be superior to the previous one. If it were our case, we would have done it already », Says the Austrian. With this aerodynamic bet made at the start of the season, Mercedes is now obliged to continue, failing which it will never catch up with the leading car again. “ At the moment we have full confidence in the structure and the organization and we are trying to develop the current car to make it faster. »

Mercedes in no man's land

Even if the Silver Arrows are no longer able to fight for first place, as they have been able to do since 2014, the German team is still part of the top of the peloton in Formula 1 according to his staff. “ I think we are the third team, exposes Toto Wolff. We are neither second nor fourth. We have two very talented drivers, but it is very annoying for us that the gap remains the same. »

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Obviously this delay on track for Ferrari and Red Bull causes frustration in a team used to being in the spotlight and more particularly over the last 8 years. “ The gap is 5 tenths from an optimistic point of view and from a pessimistic point of view it is more like 8 tenths. This is clearly unacceptable to us at Mercedess”, underlines the interlocutor. The German team logically reserves the right to take a new course in 2023. “I think we have to continue like this for now. And if we decide to change the car next year, both in terms of its architecture and aerodynamics, then we will have to make certain decisions. But we are not there yet. »

After Monaco, the paddock will be set up in Azerbaijan (June 10-12). A route where the Silver Arrows did not shine in 2021 (Valtteri Bottas 12th and Lewis Hamilton 15th). “ At the moment I think we are learning on each circuit. Every kilometer covered is important because it can allow us to improve the car. But we really need to get out of this no man's land we find ourselves in. » So will porpoising further taint the German team's race? Response in around ten days in Baku.

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