Mercedes news: Toto Wolff rules out major upgrades after Australian GP

Mercedes has found itself chasing not only its rivals but also the intricacies and subtleties of its new generation of cars.

Toto Wolff in a file photo. (Image Credit: Twitter)
By Nilavro Ghosh | Apr 15, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Mercedes is resisting upgrades to its W13, according to team principal Toto Wolff, because adding major new parts would confuse its engineers, who are still learning about the car’s complexities. Mercedes has found itself chasing not only its rivals but also the intricacies and subtleties of its new generation of Silver Arrows after imposing its dominance in F1 for eight years.

So far, the reigning constructors’ champion has found it difficult to crack its 2022 contender, with chronic porpoising and downforce occupying the Brackley team’s attention, with any attempt to mitigate the former directly impacting the latter and vice versa. Although Mercedes’ problems may not get worse before they get better, there is currently no indication that progress is being made based on the team’s most recent efforts.

Read More – Ferrari news: Team principal Mattia Binotto ‘shocked’ by Scuderia’s perfect start to 2022

“I think we’re just learning the car, we’re learning the tyres,” Wolff had said as per Motorsport.com. “Nothing we did this weekend has unlocked the aerodynamic potential or has reduced the bouncing. We’re still at the same place.”

“And that’s why it doesn’t make any sense to bring updates, because you’re confusing yourself even more. Maybe it’s the fact the more downforce you bring, the worse the bouncing gets. So we are still learning,” the German added.

Australian GP performance showed signs of some improvement

Mercedes had a fine result at Albert Park last weekend as George Russell finished P3 and Lewis Hamilton came in fourth. It was Russell’s first podium for the Silver Arrows this season. Many would argue that Mercedes’ podium came as a result of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen’s retirements in the race.

Read More – Miami GP 2022: Here’s why the second race in America might reportedly be called off

However, it would be unwise to deny the luck factor in F1. The Australian GP was a fine race for the Silver Arrows, something they could build on. Of course, it is not going to be an easy fix. The team might not have as good a result at Imola.

However, the P3 and P4 at Albert Park is something that would give every single member of the team a boost of confidence and they would certainly be working harder to do what is best for the most successful constructor of the past decade.