P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has not finished higher than fifth in the opening three rounds of the 2024 season.
Toto Wolff admitted that Mercedes is struggling to perform well in crucial moments during the 2024 season, with just 26 points after Lewis Hamilton’s engine failure in Australia. The team’s issues were further compounded by George Russell’s late crash. Ferrari has shown improvement compared to 2023, firmly establishing themselves as the second-quickest team behind Red Bull. McLaren and Aston Martin are also in the mix, challenging Mercedes for the third-best position on the grid. Wolff pointed out a “fundamental” problem with Mercedes’ high-speed corner package, which was evident in Saudi Arabia and could pose challenges in Suzuka’s Sector 1.
Despite the setbacks, Wolff remains optimistic and views the upcoming race in Japan as a fresh opportunity to address the team’s shortcomings and improve the consistency of the W15. The unique characteristics of the Suzuka circuit, featuring fast sweeps, low-speed sections, and elevation changes, will present a different challenge for Mercedes. The team has been working hard to find the right setup and performance balance for the car and hopes to show better results in Japan. As preparations for the race continue, Mercedes aims to capitalize on the early-season learnings and adapt to any potential differences in track conditions due to the timing of the event.To stay updated and participate in contests for F1 merchandise, fans are encouraged to subscribe to the team’s YouTube channel for a chance to win Red Bull or Ferrari caps or shirts.
