Mercedes yet to decide on a final concept for 2024 F1 Car

Mercedes on a concept hunt

Mercedes, in an attempt to make its 2024 car a better, is meticulously evaluating "every single concept" visible on the Formula 1 grid.

The aim is to extract helpful ideas that might push the team to the front of the pack next season.

Disappointment at the Hungaroring

The German team managed its first pole position of the season at the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, thanks to Lewis Hamilton's noteworthy performance.

However, despite the promising start, Hamilton's W14 was no competition for Max Verstappen's Red Bull in the race. He fell from grace, finishing fourth, a substantial 40 seconds behind the victor.

This staggering gap underlined the need for Mercedes and other teams to enhance their cars' capabilities in the upcoming winter season.

Toto Wolff reveals future plans

Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss, recently shed light on the dramatic changes underway for the forthcoming W15.

"We see opportunities and we are not shying away [from anything]. We are leaving no stone unturned, and looking at every single concept that we've seen on other cars," stated Wolff.

The primary focus of these changes involves the car's setup and operating window, particularly in relation to the track surface.

The team is addressing these issues to avoid the operational struggles faced by their W13 model.

Addressing past weaknesses

Mercedes's sidepod design has been a focal point of speculation in the past, with engineers offering a different perspective.

Their idea of a concept change centers on the car's setup and operational window, specifically its relationship with the track surface.

The W13 car encountered difficulties due to its proximity to the ground, resulting in the notorious porpoising phenomenon.

This season, Mercedes aimed to elevate the car's operating window, but the cautious changes failed to yield the desired downforce.

Following the Monaco Grand Prix, modifications to the sidepods rectified some shortcomings, but the team recognizes the need for further improvements.

The sobering defeat against Red Bull in Hungary left the team with no room for excuses.

Wolff declared, "When you are having a car in the front that is 38 seconds ahead [of Hamilton]... it's a bitter reality."

The stakes are high for Mercedes. By integrating new concepts and learning from past experiences, the team hopes to reclaim its place at the top in 2024.