Mercedes’ persistence in continuing with its egregiously named “zero-pod” sidepods was admirable. Simulations and wind tunnel data suggested that the distinctly shrink-wrapped bodywork could offer gallons of performance, if it could simply be unshackled by the engineers. Unfortunately for the Mercedes designers, this was like trying to nail a jelly to the wall.
Last year’s W13 chassis, the first attempt at a car with those sidepods, was plagued by issues that caused the drivers great discomfort in its willingness to bounce like a space hopper along the straights, and great uncertainty on the brakes. A season’s worth of continued development transformed the car from a …
- May 31, 2023
