Mercedes will change every component of its F1 car for 2024

The German constructor had a difficult 2023 campaign where, despite their second place in the constructor’s championship, they were unable to match the dominant Red Bull team. Mercedes realized early on that they had made a wrong decision with the aerodynamic platform of their car, but despite major changes compared to the Monaco GP, it was not enough to get back to the front.

Toto Wolff promises change

The team has long been open about the fact that they will embark on a new design direction for 2024, but team principal Toto Wolff has now revealed the extent of the overhaul that the teams at Brackley are working on.

« We are changing the concept,” Wolff said. « We are moving away completely from how we have arranged the chassis, weight distribution, airflow. […] I mean, literally, almost all components are being modified because it is only by doing this that I think we have a chance.

« We could also be mistaken. So, between not getting what we expect, catching up, taking a big step, and being ahead, everything is possible. »

When asked if there was a sense of optimism or skepticism regarding whether the new car design would be enough to bring Mercedes back to the forefront, Wolff replied: “« In my life, I have never felt optimistic about anything ».”

« This may seem a bit miserable, but it allowed me to manage my expectations and move forward better. Because I think it’s never good enough. That’s why I’m sitting here with a bittersweet feeling. We won the P2 in the constructors’ championship, but we lost the P1. »

While Mercedes was able to celebrate their second place in the constructors’ championship at the Abu Dhabi GP last weekend, Wolff stated that emotions were still mixed about the campaign.

Asked about whether finishing the year in second place was something to celebrate or not, Wolff replied: « I think we have to be humble about it and consider it a good thing. However, there is still a Mount Everest to climb to catch up with Red Bull », before adding about his competitors, « I have no doubt that McLaren will be in the race next year, maybe Aston Martin and maybe others ».

« We must not neglect anything, what we do in Brixworth and Brackley. And even if it’s hard to remember that it’s only a P2, it’s also a great opportunity to come back and aim for the stars ».

Hamilton adds pressure to his teams

After a campaign without victories for the German manufacturer, Hamilton, seven-time world champion, suggests that there is little room for error if Mercedes fails for a third time in the new era of ground effect, which has increased the expectations towards the team and its boss.

When asked about the pressure faced by Toto Wolff, Hamilton replied: “« Enormous pressure, of course. Not just Toto, but all of us. Everyone is back at the factory, and there’s enormous pressure on them ».”

This season, the British driver has not hidden his weariness and frustration towards the W14 and his desire for the season to end, in order to move on to something else when it comes to single-seaters. In a press conference, here is how he describes Mercedes’ season, in parallel to Red Bull’s.

« For us, we had to bring down the wall. We had a lot of aerodynamics on this first car last year, but we had to essentially remove a ton of downforce and then slowly try to add it back. But every time we tried to add it, it was worse. We simply didn’t improve for a very, very, very long time ».

« So, you can imagine that Red Bull is progressing, and we are more like this », he says while mimicking a nearly flat line, before adding, « and then finally, it slowly starts to rise as they continue ».

« This gap… We are simply on extremely different paths. But I think we understand the car much better now. We have developed excellent tools behind the scenes. So naturally, I have high hopes. But I won’t hold my breath. »