Since Formula 1’s 2022 regulations were introduced, Mercedes has struggled to regain the dominance it once enjoyed in the sport. The team’s recent car, the W15, has proven particularly difficult to manage, with driver George Russell calling it “the most inconsistent” Mercedes car in history. This unpredictability has posed challenges for both Russell and his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who are finding it difficult to secure strong, consistent finishes. Compared to Mercedes’ previous standards, the current season has been a tough reminder of the impact that small technical changes can have on overall performance.
Russell points out that while the 2022 “porpoising” issues were severe, the current issues with the W15 are even more frustrating. Unlike the porpoising, which made driving uncomfortable and limited speed, the W15’s inconsistency manifests in a different way. One lap might feel smooth and fast, while the next can lose significant speed and stability with no apparent cause. This kind of unpredictable handling has made it hard for Russell and Hamilton to achieve top results, as even minor lapses in performance mean losing ground to faster rivals.
On the grid, the W15 ranks only as the fourth-fastest car, a significant step down from the leading position Mercedes once held. As a result, both Russell and Hamilton have found themselves fighting to secure even mid-tier points positions. Currently placed fifth and sixth in the World Drivers’ Championship, they have spent much of the season struggling to reach the podium. This is a stark contrast to the consistent podium finishes and championship victories Mercedes previously celebrated, highlighting how much the team’s performance has shifted.
Mercedes’ recent history shows that they have faced downturns before. After returning to Formula 1 in 2010, they spent several years trying to find pace, securing only sporadic wins before hitting their stride later in the decade. Russell’s comments about the W15 suggest the team could be going through another similar phase. While Mercedes has managed three wins this season, these victories have felt hard-earned rather than a demonstration of dominating speed, underlining the scale of the current challenge.
Looking ahead to the Brazilian Grand Prix and beyond, Russell admits that the team is recalibrating its focus toward 2025. Rather than aiming for major breakthroughs this year, Mercedes is prioritizing stability and consistency in the car’s development. The W15’s issues have prompted a shift in strategy as the team works to create a more reliable car for future seasons, aiming to return to the competitive edge they once maintained. As Mercedes adapts its approach, fans and competitors alike will be watching to see if the team can reestablish itself as a leading force in Formula 1.