Mercedes’ path of development is different from the competition. The W17 has been without major update packages since the last Canadian Grand Prix, except for the low downforce elements brought in Belgium. However, in Brackley, a very specific strategy is being followed that will bring more novelties after the break, as explained to FormulaPassion by deputy technical director Simone Resta.
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The plans for the W17
“Our strategy has been simple,” comments Resta. “We have tried to bring packages of a certain size at the start of the year. We brought an important one at the last test, then another in Canada and now we are working to bring another after the break, not necessarily at Zandvoort. However, we also try to improve the car race after race. Every weekend we bring something, maybe small, but it is part of a strategy where we try to develop the car at every race.” The difference in approach compared to Ferrari is evident, which after a slow start brought several novelties in May and June.
The slowdown in Mercedes’ development, therefore, would not be due to limited growth margins of the W17’s fundamental concept, in which the team still believes. Resta continues: “Obviously you can always do better, but at this moment we do not see particular weaknesses in any of the concepts, whether it is the aerodynamic part, the suspension, tire management or integration with the power unit. In general, we think we have a good base, which so far has been quite competitive. Clearly, our goal is to improve everything and that is what we continue to do. The regulations, however, keep changing, even if not radically. Next season we will have small adjustments, which is why, despite a fairly competitive base, we cannot relax. Others are also pushing hard on development, so we have to do our best to maintain this position.”
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The budget cap obstacle
Inevitably, the large development packages that Mercedes introduced at the start of the season absorbed several financial resources. The Brackley team now has to be careful with expenses, although it still has some margins on the budget cap, which however continues to be limiting. “Surely it is a big challenge, from a certain point of view maybe even too much,” Simone Resta’s thought. “Engineers now tend to talk too much about costs and this greatly limits the ability to develop the car and bring innovations. However, it is a challenge we have to live with and it is certainly one of the elements that makes you think about when and how to update, trying to do things more sparingly.”
