P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Williams sticks with 2023 Mercedes F1 pull-rod rear suspension
Mercedes has introduced a new push-rod configuration on the rear suspension of their W15 challenger to enhance aerodynamic performance, a design also favored by Red Bull and McLaren.The shift to push-rod was expected to be adopted by Mercedes’ gearbox customers Aston Martin and Williams for 2024, with Aston Martin complying while Williams has chosen to stick with the 2023 pull-rod layout as part of a decision made jointly with Mercedes months ago.This decision not only eases the logistical burden for Mercedes, who would have had to supply two teams with new components, but also benefits Williams financially due to cost cap regulations.Williams team principal James Vowles downplayed the impact of the gearbox choice on their performance for 2024, emphasizing the reliability and known entity of the Mercedes-supplied gearbox, and hinted at intriguing changes to the rear suspension layout to be revealed in Bahrain.
