P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes engine strategy revealed as customer teams to get Australian GP upgrade
Mercedes utilized different engine specifications during pre-season testing to supply four teams under new regulations. The customer teams received a proven engine version for reliability, while the Mercedes factory team tested the latest development variant. This strategy streamlined manufacturing processes for a single team compared to multiple outfits. With homologation approaching, Mercedes faced the challenge of finalizing the correct engine specification. Formula 1 rules mandate equal engine components for all teams, with only specific differences allowed. The reliability-focused testing approach ensured all teams could gather valuable data, while the factory team pushed performance boundaries for the season ahead. As the championship begins in Melbourne, McLaren, Williams, and Alpine are expected to benefit from the same engine specification as the Mercedes factory team. McLaren’s team principal hinted at Mercedes’ testing strategy, emphasizing the importance of reliable hardware for the upcoming races.
