After missing its performance targets for the start of the 2023 F1 season and falling further behind Red Bull, Mercedes made the drastic decision to change its W14 car’s layout.
A new floor and sidepod concept, as well as a suspension re-design, are being readied in time for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola later this month.
Under F1’s restrictive budget cap, set at a base limit of $135m excluding allowances for additional races beyond 21, sprint weekends, as well as inflation adjustments, such wholesale changes, have been challenging to make.
The Brackley squad can no longer throw infinite resources at a project to turn the tide during a disappointing season.
That exacting process also comes with comp …