'Development of W14 delayed, engineers must work overtime'
Rumors
- GPblog.com
Mercedes has delayed developing the W14 in recent months. The 2023 car will be presented on 15 February, when a filming day is also immediately scheduled at the Silverstone circuit. According to the usually well-informed Forma1a.uno the German formation's engineers have to work overtime to have the car ready in time.
Things have been very hectic at Mercedes recently, as it fell behind schedule. The cause? Problems with producing the parts, as changes were made at a late stage of the W14 design. Workers have therefore been called on in recent weeks to work extra hours to avoid starting the season behind schedule.
Particularly narrow sidepods in 2023 too
Mercedes has reportedly not completely jettisoned its aerodynamic philosophy of very narrow sidepods. The chassis retains the innovative philosophy that was also driven in 2022, despite experiencing many problems last year and not moving beyond a disappointing third place in the constructors' championship.
The Italian medium further writes that carbon fibre will be seen in many places at the 2023 car. Many Formula 1 teams try to use as little paint as possible in order to get as close as possible to the minimum weight: the heavier the car, the slower the lap time. We saw the same thing happen at the unveiling of Alfa Romeo Racing's C43 last week.
Extra horsepower for Mercedes
According to reports, Mercedes has also made a big step with the powerplant. At least ten extra horsepower would have been found by the engine department in Brixworth that Lewis Hamilton and George Russell can use next season to go for the world title. This engine gain is due to improved reliability, as performance updates are no longer allowed due to engine freezing.