Mercedes Brings Upgrade Package to Miami Grand Prix in Bid to Improve Struggling W15 Car

Mercedes is set to introduce an upgrade package for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, aiming to address the balance and consistency issues that have plagued their W15 car throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season. Team boss Toto Wolff expressed optimism that the upgrades could be a significant step in improving the car's performance.

The German team has struggled to get their car in the right window, with a disappointing showing at the recent Chinese Grand Prix where Lewis Hamilton finished 9th and George Russell 6th. Wolff acknowledged that the W15 is not a satisfactory car and that the team has been experimenting to try and unlock its potential.

Technical director James Allison revealed that the Miami upgrades specifically target improvements to the car's handling, as it has been front-limited and difficult for the drivers to extract the full potential from. Allison also noted the need for Mercedes to change its approach to mid-weekend set-up changes, after big shifts from the China sprint race to the main grand prix failed to deliver the expected step forward.

Why this matters: Mercedes' struggles in the 2023 season have been a significant talking point, with the team currently sitting 4th in the constructors' standings, 143 points behind leaders Red Bull. The success of the Miami upgrade package could have major implications for the team's competitiveness in the upcoming races and their ability to close the gap to the front-runners.

Hamilton's mixed performance in China, where he finished second in the sprint race but was eliminated in Q1 of qualifying, highlighted the car's inconsistency. Allison admitted that the team should have encouraged Hamilton to pursue a program similar to Russell, who was able to complete two fast runs in qualifying.

Looking ahead to Miami, Wolff remained cautiously optimistic about the upgrade package's potential impact. "We have an upgrade for Miami, which we hope will be a good step in the right direction," he stated. "We need to find a way to balance the car's performance in both high-speed and low-speed corners."

The Miami Grand Prix, set to take place from May 5-7, will serve as a critical test for Mercedes and their upgraded W15 car. With the team currently experiencing their worst start to a season since 2011, having scored only 52 points after five races compared to 96 points at the same stage last year, the pressure is on to turn their fortunes around and close the gap to their rivals.

Key Takeaways

• Mercedes to introduce upgrade package for Miami GP to address balance, consistency issues.
• Upgrades aim to improve car handling, which has been front-limited and difficult to drive.
• Mercedes currently 4th in constructors' standings, 143 points behind leaders Red Bull.
• Hamilton's mixed performance in China highlighted the car's inconsistency, team to adjust setup approach.
• Miami GP a critical test for Mercedes' upgraded W15 car, as they aim to close gap to rivals.