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Does Mercedes shoot on target in Miami with highly modified wings?

Does Mercedes shoot on target in Miami with highly modified wings?

05-05-2022 20:16
13

GPblog.com

Since the wings are still one of the few components of F1 cars that can be tinkered with to some extent, Mercedes may finally be able to hit the ground running with the new front and rear wings in Miami.

Bad start for Mercedes

Mercedes built a poor car over the winter. The team that took the constructors' title eight years in a row is nowhere near Ferrari and Red Bull Racing after four races. For seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the race in Imola was a severe low point, while teammate George Russell finished fourth. Hamilton himself, with some luck, did make it to a podium already this year. A team like Mercedes should not have to rely on luck and that is why Miami will hopefully improve.

Mercedes has in fact made changes to the front and rear wings of the W13. Since there is a lot less room for maneuver for F1 team designers in 2022, these changes could potentially make a big difference. Auto Motor und Sport message about the modifications and says that they have been made with a view to improving efficiency and improving overall performance of the car.

Changes to the W13

The top flap of the front wing has been modified and seems to have been given an extra wave. The rear wing, on the other hand, is now straight instead of wavy. A new underwing has also been placed in the rear wing. With these modifications, Mercedes has also paid attention to lowering the weight. It is said that the new wings together weigh as much as three kilograms less.

Team boss Toto Wolff says the team has learned a lot in the weeks since Imola: "We have found several ways to improve the car." During free practice in Miami, the team will start experimenting with some of those ways Wolff is talking about.