Mercedes is hopeful that neither of its drivers will experience another major crash before the end of the Formula 1 season, primarily due to the limitations imposed by the budget cap and their use of both curfew exemptions for the year. In the current season, each team is permitted two curfew exemptions, allowing them to work overnight without facing penalties. Unfortunately for Mercedes, they have already utilized both of these opportunities, raising concerns for the remainder of the season.
The first exemption was employed during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where the team’s mechanics worked extra hours to adjust the car’s balance. This effort paid off as Lewis Hamilton managed to qualify fifth and subsequently secured a podium finish. In contrast, George Russell struggled in qualifying due to rain during a red flag situation, but he rallied to finish eighth in the race. This use of the curfew exemption was a strategic move to optimize car performance amid challenging conditions.
Mercedes was forced to use its second curfew exemption following a significant crash by George Russell during the second practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix. The impact of his crash was substantial, requiring the team to replace his chassis entirely. In response, the team worked tirelessly through the night to repair Russell’s W15 car, allowing him to qualify fifth and compete strongly in the Grand Prix. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin described the effort as an “impossible” task that involved both of the team’s crews working late into the night to achieve the repairs.
Looking ahead, the team is acutely aware that any future curfew violations will come with penalties. Should either driver sustain a crash on a Friday, Mercedes will have to sacrifice practice time to avoid the penalty of starting both cars from the pit lane. Shovlin emphasized the importance of ensuring the cars are ready for the third practice session to avoid compromising their performance during qualifying. The team’s strategy moving forward will heavily depend on preventing any additional incidents that could force them to break curfew again.
The financial implications of Russell’s crash and other incidents have also put Mercedes in a precarious position regarding the budget cap. Team principal Toto Wolff noted that the need for a new chassis significantly impacts their budget, limiting further upgrades for the W15. Although the team plans to introduce two new floor upgrades in Brazil, this will mark the extent of their development for the season. Wolff acknowledged the challenges they face in managing their budget while also striving to enhance car performance, leading to strict limitations on additional development parts for the remainder of the year.
