Kyle.Engineers: Mercedes W13 Analysis and Initial Thoughts

Saturday, 19 February 2022 at 21:19

Kyle.Engineers breaks down the Mercedes W13, unleashed on Friday aimed at extending the record-breaking streak from eight Formula 1 Constructors' Championship titles to nine with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in the hottest seats in motorsport.

While the new cars are hardly representative of what will be rolled out in Barcelona, Kyle Forster has found some points of interest in what Mercedes have allowed us to see thus far.

He writes in the intro: "We're on home territory here, but doesn't mean I can't still break down all the details of the Mercedes W13! At first glance many people have been uninspired by the more or less carryover of the rear bodywork, however, this car is all about the details."

This is the first time we will have attempted such a big change under a cost cap

Mercedes Technical Director Mike Elliot of the new car: "On the chassis side, the changes are huge. We haven't had a change as big as this one in my career. I think there are three aspects to this: first, the way the regulations are constructed is very different, particularly for aerodynamics, and that has a big impact.

"Second, what they are trying to achieve with the aerodynamics means the cars are fundamentally a different shape. Third, this is the first time we will have attempted such a big change under a cost cap."

"The W13 is the product of a complete redesign from top to bottom, with the steering wheel the only carryover element from its predecessor. Operating with a blank slate and such a steep development curve has been a stimulating experience for the engineers at the team's Brackley base and something they've relished.

"Engineers love a challenge and therefore it is a fantastic opportunity to do something fresh. In the aerodynamic world, normally you are chasing after little bits and pieces, but with such big regulation changes, the gains have been coming in big chunks which is quite satisfying.

"On the flip side, we've had a period of success, winning the last eight Constructors' titles and this is a reset. All the teams have started from scratch with the model provided by F1 and you don't get to carry over the benefits or fix the issues from last year's car, so everyone began this journey at the same level," added Elliott.

Hamilton and Russell have already given the Silver Arrows a shakedown of sorts on a wet Friday at Silverstone, ahead of the new car being transported to Spain for F1 preseason testing at Circuit de Barcelona Circuit, the first of three days at the venue beginning on Wednesday.