Mercedes personnel have been working tirelessly since the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished in sixth and ninth place respectively. The purpose of their efforts has been to comprehend and resolve the issues that arose after their W15 car was tested in the first two races of the 2024 Formula 1 season. These problems were described by team principal Toto Wolff as fundamental in nature.
As the Australian Grand Prix approaches, Wolff appears to be optimistic about the progress made during the two-week break at the Brackley headquarters. He believes that this hard work will lead to some improvements in performance. In Mercedes’ race preview, Wolff stated, “We have been diligently working since Jeddah, building upon the knowledge gained from the initial races. It is encouraging to witness the potential of the W15, but there are evident areas that require enhancement. While we have demonstrated competitiveness in low and medium speed corners, high-speed sections have proven to be a weakness thus far.”
The team has been exerting significant efforts to understand the reasons behind their underwhelming performance and is determined to make necessary improvements. This has become a major focus for them. Wolff expressed his hope that they will make initial progress in Melbourne, and the insights gained from this work will guide their development in the coming weeks. He also emphasized the positive atmosphere and determination within the factories as they strive to unlock the full potential of their car.
The upcoming race in Melbourne presents an opportunity for Mercedes to capitalize on their capabilities, something they were unable to do in the first two races, as noted by their team boss. Wolff remarked, “We failed to fully exploit our potential in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. While we began each weekend strongly, following our usual practice routines, we were unable to deliver on our initial promise. Given the competitiveness of the chasing pack, it is crucial for us to maximize the car’s potential every weekend.”
Wolff concluded by expressing his anticipation for the race in Melbourne, highlighting the appeal of the circuit and the city, as well as the passionate and vocal fan base. He stated, “Albert Park provides us with another opportunity to showcase our capabilities. We are excited to return and demonstrate what we are capable of achieving.”
As of now, Mercedes currently holds the fourth position in the 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship with a total of 26 points.