Mercedes Takes Risk of Changing Car Concept for F1 Next Season

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton failed in F1 2023 (Instagram/@lewishamilton).

JAKARTA – Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, confirmed that they have really made major changes to the W15 car to face the 2024 Formula 1 race.

These changes were made to almost all components. It's a big effort to get Mercedes back to winning ways, but there's still a risk of mistakes being made.

"We changed the concept. We completely changed the chassis layout, weight distribution and air flow. Almost all the components were changed because only by doing that I think we have a chance, (but) we can also be wrong," said Wolff as reported by Racing News 365.

The team based in Brackley has become uncompetitive in the world land jet race since new technical regulations were introduced last year.

They even only achieved one win in two F1 seasons. These results contrast with the highly successful period from 2014 to 2020, during which they won the title every year.

This year, Mercedes even experienced a season without a win for the first time since 2013. The results made their driver, Lewis Hamilton, doubt his future.

Wolff said that even though there were big changes made, he was not very optimistic about the new car next season.

"If you ask me, there is always skepticism. But that's the team mentality and that's what drives us to keep going and never give up."

"In my entire life, I've never been optimistic about anything. Which makes it sound a little sad," he said.

Mercedes ended the season as runners-up in the constructors' standings at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend. They were ahead of Ferrari who finished in third place.