- Written by Andrew Benson
- chief f1 writer
Mercedes unveils W15 F1 car, team principal Toto Wolff, drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, reserve drivers Mick Schumacher and Fred Vesti in attendance
Toto Wolff says Mercedes' new F1 car is a “complete fresh start” as it looks to recover from a tough two years.
The eight-time champions are two seasons behind Red Bull under new rules that will be introduced in 2022.
“This car is very different, not just aerodynamically, but mainly underneath,” said team principal Wolff.
“There are a lot of mechanical changes going on, and we hope it makes it more predictable and a car that drivers can really push.”
The new W15 abandoned Mercedes' now discredited so-called 'zero sidepod' philosophy in favor of the aerodynamic direction pursued by Red Bull.
It features heavily undercut sidepods and a surface 'ramp' that slopes the bodywork downward towards the rear, all to optimally manipulate the airflow around the car, allowing the underbody to 'ramp'. The purpose is to maximize the downforce generated by the Venturi tunnel.
It also features a combination of Mercedes' traditional racing silver and black color scheme used last year and in 2020-21.
Wolff said the team is hoping to keep expectations in check and press on to lead the group competing with last year's main rivals Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin, and to catch Red Bull.
he said: “The most important thing is to look within yourself. What did we do wrong? Why didn't the virtual world have a correlation with the real world?”
“And we tried to find some clues and eliminate some variables. It's difficult because when a team is so far ahead, like Red Bull last year, it's not easy. I know it's a big mountain.”
“But we have a great driver combination and hopefully a fast car and I think we have some very good ingredients to get back to the top.”
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has decided to move to Ferrari in 2025, making the 2024 season his last with Mercedes. Hamilton will be partnered by fellow Brit George Russell for a third season.
The seven-time champion said: “The focus is to get the team back to where it was. These difficult years have been really foundational for us. It has helped us regroup and now we are We must work hard on our work.”
Russell added: “We started 2022 and although the car didn't perform as well as we had hoped, we have learned a lot as a team. The enthusiasm is burning inside. “Momo is very excited and motivated. I believe it will happen,” he added. come. “
In addition to the lack of overall performance, Mercedes drivers complained about the team's previous two cars' lack of predictability and lack of rear grip.
Wolff said: “The goal is to do a good job, look inward, try to put a car on track that is predictable and has a lot of downforce, do a solid job and hit the target, and give Lewis and George the car.'' It’s about passing it on.” “They said they enjoyed driving and it wasn't as difficult as in previous years. And hopefully in Bahrain in a week's time we'll get more good reviews than bad.”
The car will undergo its first 'shakedown' test alongside the new McLaren at Silverstone on Wednesday.
Pre-season testing will take place in Bahrain from February 21-23, followed by the season opener in the Gulf state on March 2.
