Photo Credit: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
A raft of upgrades introduced at the Monaco Grand Prix have helped Mercedes to find consistency, both in their performance and in their results.
The German manufacturer sit second in the constructors standings, having secured three podiums across the last two races at the Spanish and Canadian Grand Prix’s respectively.
Despite the upturn in form, Mercedes are aware that there is a lot of work to do before they can challenge for race wins every weekend.
Team Principal, Toto Wolff confirmed that yet more significant changes are coming to their car before the summer break.
“We’re bringing a larger one to Silverstone, then we should have another one before shutdown.
“It’s just that the learnings have accelerated a lot since we changed some of the conceptual architecture. There should be decent steps coming in the next four races.”
A recent change in sidepod philosophy has helped the Silver Arrows to unlock more of the potential within their package. However, further there’s more time to find according to Wolff.
Photo Credit: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
“I think we are understanding better the simulations, and that correlates with what we are seeing on track,” he said.
“We are seeing a better understanding of what the car needs in order to go fast and what the set-ups need to look like.
“So generally, the steps are getting bigger now. I think we’re making good inroads.” he added.
The aim for Mercedes, is to be winning races and championships again sooner rather than later. While they are encouraged by progress, Wolff was keen to point out that Red Bull continue to possess the upper hand.
“It’s encouraging to be not so far away. But one must not forget that Max is cruising in the front.
“I don’t think he’s completely cruising, but he is still having an easier time in the front. I think there is margin, so there’s quite a gap to catch up.” he concluded.
On his hopes of where he thinks Mercedes could collect their first win of 2023, his instant reply was ‘Silverstone’.
The team’s next opportunity to make inroads will arrive at next week’s Austrian Grand Prix — a track which has never failed to provide excitement since its reintroduction to the calendar in 2014.
Mercedes will be hoping for some more magic in order to reach the top step for the first time this season, as Lewis Hamilton bids to end a near two-year winless streak.
