P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes stuck with the zero sidepod design for two seasons but has promised a radical overhaul of the 2024 W15 machine.
Mercedes Technical Director, James Allison, believes that the failed zero sidepod approach was not the main reason for their struggles in Formula 1. Instead, he points to the overall car concept as the main factor. Despite facing major porpoising and mechanical problems, Mercedes remained committed to the design throughout the 2022 season under then-Technical Director, Mike Elliott. The team only abandoned the approach after the season-opener in Bahrain, introducing a more conventional-looking car in Monaco. Allison explains that the sidepod design was not the defining factor in their decline, but rather a result of the team taking too long to figure out a competitive direction. Mercedes has now undergone a drastic overhaul of their car, with Allison emphasizing that the concept is not solely about the car itself but also the process of determining what will improve lap times. The new hardware reflects the team’s adjusted approach and methodology.
