The Mercedes W15 F1 car for 2024
Mercedes discloses the initial specifications of the W15 F1 car for 2024, featuring a set of performance goals described as "quite ambitious."
Mercedes’ Technical Director, James Allison, aims for the team to contend for victory in the F1 2024 World Championship, having initiated an ambitious program for the new W15 car.
Following their unprecedented achievement of eight Constructors’ titles since the onset of F1’s V6 hybrid era in 2014, Mercedes has only secured a solitary grand prix victory since the implementation of ground effect regulations in 2022.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion and the most accomplished driver in F1 history with over 100 pole positions and victories, continues to be winless since the penultimate round of the 2021 season in Saudi Arabia.
Mercedes provides an update on the W15 car for the 2024 F1 season.
In the 2023 Formula 1 season, George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, has been unable to add to his inaugural victory at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. Mercedes initially chose to stick with the controversial zero-pod car concept for the beginning of the current season but decided to abandon it after a lackluster performance in Bahrain. Despite introducing a significantly revised chassis in Monaco in May, the team made only marginal progress throughout the season, finishing in second place in the Constructors’ standings, narrowly ahead of Ferrari. Despite the dominance of Red Bull and Max Verstappen in the 2023 season, securing a third consecutive World Championship with a record 19 victories in 22 races, Mercedes remains optimistic about returning to title contention in 2024.
James Allison, Mercedes’ Technical Director, expressed hope for a competitive return in 2024, citing significant progress with the design of the W15. When asked about the team’s prospects for 2024, specifically whether they can return to winning ways or need more time to regain their former success, Allison acknowledged uncertainty. He emphasized the team’s focus on championships and outlined the ambitious program they have undertaken. While acknowledging the historical challenges of teams bouncing back quickly from a decline, Allison highlighted the team’s depth and progress with the upcoming car. Despite the unknown outcome, he expressed optimism and the collective hope within the team for a strong performance in the Championships.
