Mercedes took a gamble when designing the front wing for their new W15 challenger. The upcoming 2024 season will showcase their attempt to create a completely unique chassis compared to their previous Formula 1 cars. Recently, Brackley unveiled the W15 challenger, which has sparked controversy. Ferrari and other teams have deemed the front wing of the W15 to be on the brink of being illegal and have filed a complaint against it.
Rival teams are concerned that the front wing may flex while driving at high speeds, giving Mercedes an unfair advantage. The team aimed to replicate the Y250 vortex from previous cars, resulting in a front wing that is borderline illegal and could be in jeopardy if the chassis is deemed unfair. However, reports suggest that the FIA has given the go-ahead to the chassis, not ruling out the front wing as illegal. As a result, Mercedes is heading into the testing session in Bahrain without making any significant changes to the front wing of the W15. Only time will reveal the benefits of the new front wing on the chassis.
In addition to its innovative front wing, the Mercedes W15 Challenger will feature a unique addition to the steering wheel. The steering wheel will have a special button adorned with the logo of the messaging app Whatsapp, representing the long-term partnership between the two giants in Formula 1. This is similar to McLaren’s partnership with Google Chrome, where the collaboration was showcased through the colors around the headrest.
Mercedes drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff, will use the button to communicate with the pit wall during races. Fans worldwide have embraced this addition, seeing it as an exciting development. Mercedes aims to provide their drivers with the best opportunities to win races throughout the season, especially after a disappointing performance in 2023.
Brackley intends to bid a proper farewell to the seven-time world champion, Hamilton, at the end of 2024. Hamilton himself is determined to achieve great results throughout the season and potentially compete for the world championship. Meanwhile, George Russell is also looking ahead, aiming to outscore or at least match his accomplished teammate as they race together for the final time.
According to a source, Mercedes has made significant changes to their new W15 challenger for the upcoming 2024 Formula 1 season. The front wing design has caused controversy among rival teams, with Ferrari and others filing a complaint against it. They argue that the front wing may bend at high speeds, giving Mercedes an unfair advantage. However, the FIA has given the green light to the chassis, suggesting that the front wing is not illegal. Mercedes will stick with their current design for the testing session in Bahrain.
In addition to the front wing, Mercedes has added a unique feature to their W15 Challenger. The steering wheel now includes a button with the Whatsapp logo, symbolizing the partnership between the two companies. This is similar to McLaren’s collaboration with Google Chrome, which was showcased through the headrest colors. The button will allow Mercedes drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff, to communicate with the pit wall during races.
Fans worldwide have expressed excitement about this addition, as Mercedes aims to improve their performance after a disappointing season in 2023. The team is also preparing to say goodbye to Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, at the end of 2024. Hamilton is determined to achieve great results throughout the season and potentially compete for the world championship. Meanwhile, George Russell is focused on outscoring or matching his teammate in their final races together.