Mercedes started on a groundbreaking size-zero sidepod car concept for the return of ground effect in 2022, yet struggled to translate it into success on the track, securing only one victory.
Recognizing the limitations of their approach, Mercedes adjusted their platform for the 2023 season, implementing significant aerodynamic modifications from Monaco onward to address rear-end instability.
Despite these changes, Mercedes currently finds itself trailing behind Ferrari and McLaren in the standings as they enter the Australian Grand Prix with their W15 challenger featuring a more conventional downwash sidepod design.
Lewis Hamilton remains optimistic about the car’s potential, dismissing previous descriptions of the car as an “evil sister.” He believes there’s untapped potential in the car that can be unlocked through setup optimization.
Teammate George Russell acknowledges the team’s struggles to maintain performance throughout race weekends but attributes it to the limited testing opportunities. He anticipates exploring setup adjustments during the Melbourne race weekend to maximize the car’s potential.
While Mercedes faces challenges in optimizing their car’s performance, both drivers remain focused on extracting the maximum potential from their current platform as they aim to improve their standings in the championship.
