Mercedes reintroduced the rear suspension package that debuted at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Canada to address rear tyre surface overheating issues encountered with its W16 Formula 1 car this year. Following challenges in Imola, Mercedes omitted the revised geometry in Monaco and Spain to collect comparative data on its performance.
Reintegrating the suspension for Montreal, Mercedes navigated track temperatures nearing 50C at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve conveniently devoid of high-load corners, aiding tyre management on softer compounds. While the impact on George Russell’s win and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s podium remains inconclusive, Toto Wolff believes the new direction is promising.
Austria presents a new challenge, potentially testing Mercedes’ revised rear suspension under warmer conditions where track temperatures could exceed 50C, a critical threshold for tyre grip. If the updated suspension successfully regulates surface and carcass temperatures to combat graining, Mercedes may fare better through Austria’s diverse corners.
