2024 Mercedes-AMG | Petronas F1 Team

[Vanja #66]

Comparing 22, 23 and 24 cars was a bit unexpected regarding Mercedes. While they made a big step with different RW from 22 and 23, they've now gone slower on straights compared to 23 with the same RW used. There was also a big harvest/deployment strategy change between 22 and 23, so overall Top Speed on SF straight is now the lowest.

[AR3-GP]

Merc is not that strong down the straights with DRS but Hamilton will be fortunate that many of his rivals are no better (AM, Mclaren).

https://i.postimg.cc/gkZzy5zH/image.png

Worth nothing, the top speeds from the RBR and Ferrari were thanks to a monster tow down the main straight. Verstappen from Hulkenburg in Q2 was where the 322kph came from.

Verstappens first lap without tow in Q3 was 321km/h, and Leclerc did 319km/h without tow. Perez did 322km/h without tow.

[Formula 1 fan]

I think, i am might wrong, but i think Mercedes will bring at some moment of this season brand new rear wing to improve straightline speed.

[PlatinumZealot]

Surely the 'sacrifice' of single lap pace couldn't be that bad...

He looks upbeat.. Expecting a swashbuckling LH masterclass in the race!

[PlatinumZealot]

Comparing 22, 23 and 24 cars was a bit unexpected regarding Mercedes. While they made a big step with different RW from 22 and 23, they've now gone slower on straights compared to 23 with the same RW used. There was also a big harvest/deployment strategy change between 22 and 23, so overall Top Speed on SF straight is now the lowest.

https://i.ibb.co/vxbbnSQ/merc.jpg

It's the car set up. I think the testing times show that the car has more top speed than last years for sure. Here in the bahrain race they perhaps chose to preserve rear traction for longer by cranking on a bit more downforce via the wings and the rideheight. Meaning more drag.

[Juzh]

Merc is not that strong down the straights with DRS but Hamilton will be fortunate that many of his rivals are no better (AM, Mclaren).

https://i.postimg.cc/gkZzy5zH/image.png

Worth nothing, the top speeds from the RBR and Ferrari were thanks to a monster tow down the main straight. Verstappen from Hulkenburg in Q2 was where the 322kph came from.

VER did 331 kmh with Hulk slipstream in Q2. Q3 slipstream wasnt nearly as big.

[Formula 1 fan]

I dont think that Mercedes will be able to improve straightline speed without completely new rear wing this season.

[Jdn1327]

Surely the 'sacrifice' of single lap pace couldn't be that bad...

He looks upbeat.. Expecting a swashbuckling LH masterclass in the race!

Haha PZ I'm tempering my expectations. I know he'll do well in the race. I was super surprised with his demeanour. Completely 180 from a year ago. Just glad the drivers feel good about the car.

[RonMexico]

Any word on what's wrong with Hamilton's car?

[organic]

Any word on what's wrong with Hamilton's car?

Ted on broadcast: Merc said Lewis doesn't have a particular problem per se affecting his pace

[AMG.Tzan]

Wow Hamilton’s pace is phenomenal!!!

Second year in a row (maybe third) that he keeps doing the same thing! In FP2 he’s flying and come FP3 he totally changes the setup to go with a “race setup” yet he ends up destroying both his Qualifying and Race…

Also it must have been quite a high iQ move by Mercedes not to try the Hards during practice! It doesn’t surprise me they’re nowhere with Hards! They didn’t even bother at least putting a set of Softs for the end…

[mendis]

So they fired Mike Elliott for nothing.

[Matt2725]

So they fired Mike Elliott for nothing.

I wouldn't say nothing. None of the teams are anywhere near Red Bull, and they don't have much to do in order to catch Ferrari.

Elliott was fired because he brought a failed concept two years in a row.

[dialtone]

So they fired Mike Elliott for nothing.

I wouldn't say nothing. None of the teams are anywhere near Red Bull, and they don't have much to do in order to catch Ferrari.

Elliott was fired because he brought a failed concept two years in a row.

They are like 0.6s/lap slower than Ferrari (HAM v SAI). LEC with brake issues was lapping 0.6-7s/lap faster than RUS at the end. That seems a lot to do.

[chrisc90]

Wow Hamilton’s pace is phenomenal!!!

Second year in a row (maybe third) that he keeps doing the same thing! In FP2 he’s flying and come FP3 he totally changes the setup to go with a “race setup” yet he ends up destroying both his Qualifying and Race…

Also it must have been quite a high iQ move by Mercedes not to try the Hards during practice! It doesn’t surprise me they’re nowhere with Hards! They didn’t even bother at least putting a set of Softs for the end…

I think Lewis needs to stop chasing this 'setup' phenomenon so much. Second season in a row and its just not working the way he wants it to be. I was expecting him to make a lot more progress today from where he started.