Is Mercedes W14 changing appearance? "There will be a completely different sidepod"

Mercedes does not seem to be in good shape based on the winter tests and the first practice sessions of the Bahrain GP. The F1 team will soon come out with new sidepods in the hope of turning the tide. Technical director Mike Elliott says in advance that Mercedes will come up with a new look again.

In 2022, Mercedes generated interest during winter testing with a very narrow car, whose sidepods seemed to have completely disappeared. The W13 did not prove to be a fast car, but for the 2023 car, the philosophy has not changed. Once again, Mercedes is the only team with the peculiar sidepods. However, the sleek W14 will undergo another metamorphosis early this season. So say team boss Toto Wolff and Elliott.

Mercedes W14 gets new look

F1.com quotes Elliott: "Toto has already said that new bodywork is coming. It will not look like those of other teams, nor will it be the same as we have now. It will be different." The new parts will arrive as soon as possible, but the technical director stresses that it will take time. The changes coming could just be very intrusive.

Elliott: "It's part of our normal development. We have a very different sidepod coming. I say very different, it's a different sidepod that's coming. It takes time to bring that." As to why the new sidepods were not there before the start of the season, Elliott does not say. George Russell and especially Lewis Hamilton will not be able to wait for upgrades. The Mercedes drivers did not sound happy after Friday in Bahrain.