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Mercedes’ F1Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin has explained the “compromise” the team had to contend with amid the decision to scrap its rear suspension upgrade.
Mercedes’ Formula 1 Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin detailed the team’s compromise in scrapping the rear suspension upgrade, which was reintroduced for the Canadian Grand Prix following a hiatus in Monaco and Barcelona.
Despite a successful outing in Montreal with George Russell’s victory and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s third-place finish, the W16’s competitiveness declined, culminating in a challenging weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.
The decision to remove the upgrade was prompted by its unveiled weaknesses and limitations in further development, compounded by the cost cap constraints.
Shovlin highlighted the intricate compromises involved in designing and implementing upgrades within existing components, thus affecting the car’s performance and potential areas of improvement.
Mercedes is also considering the long-term impact of the 2026 regulation changes, adjusting their development strategy to balance current performance gains with future advancements.
