P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has revealed that its 2024 Formula 1 car boasts up to “70 points more downforce” per corner than its
Mercedes, a dominant force in Formula 1 with eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021, has only scored one win since the return to ground effect cars in 2022. The team faced challenges in the early part of the season, having their worst start since 2011 despite abandoning the ‘zeropod’ solution. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes boss, revealed struggles with a “fundamental” correlation issue between wind tunnel data and on-track performance. Although Mercedes showed progress in Japan, Wolff emphasized the complexity of the car’s setup and the need to balance error and mechanical aspects. The team has been working to understand the discrepancy between increased downforce measurements and actual lap time improvements, highlighting ongoing challenges in translating potential into results. Lewis Hamilton mentioned adjustments made to combat porpoising issues in the car, while Wolff stressed the perplexing disconnect between measured downforce and expected performance gains. The team continues to grapple with unlocking the full potential of their car, facing complexities that have yet to translate into desired on-track success.
