Hamilton has defended Mercedes’ progress in the 2022 F1 season since the Monaco Grand Prix, despite the margin to Red Bull. Mercedes initially used a size-zero sidepod car architecture but later switched to a downwash philosophy favored by Red Bull, adding a ‘waterslide’ similar to McLaren and Aston Martin.
After implementing the upgrade, Hamilton achieved a 2-3 result in the Spanish GP. However, the ‘supertimes’ metric shows that Mercedes’ deficit to Red Bull decreased only slightly from 0.504% (Monaco) to 0.502% (Silverstone) and 0.866% (Spa).
Nonetheless, Hamilton praised the team’s efforts and significant progress, particularly since Monaco. The car has become more consistent, leading to podium finishes and top-five results. Hamilton also mentioned improved reliability.
However, Hamilton pinpointed two areas where the W14 still needs to progress: downforce and balance. He mentioned feeling disconnected from the car earlier in the season, attributing it to the cockpit’s positioning compared to Red Bull and Ferrari.
Hamilton currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings, trailing Fernando Alonso by one point. He expects the competitive order behind Red Bull to continue shifting in the second half of the season. Despite uncertainties about the level of development from other teams, Hamilton hopes for improvement in Mercedes’ position in the constructors’ championship and his own position in the drivers’ standings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mercedes F1 progress
Q: What car architecture did Mercedes pioneer in the 2022 F1 season?
A: Mercedes pioneered the use of its size-zero sidepod car architecture until the Monaco Grand Prix.
Q: What philosophy did Mercedes switch to after Monaco, and how did it differ from Red Bull’s approach?
A: After Monaco, Mercedes switched to a downwash philosophy favored by Red Bull but added a ‘waterslide,’ similar to that of McLaren and Aston Martin.
Q: How has Mercedes’ performance improved since the changes made to the car?
A: After the upgrades, Mercedes achieved a 2-3 result in the Spanish GP and has been more consistent, securing podium finishes and top-five results.
Q: What is the margin between Mercedes and Red Bull in terms of the ‘supertimes’ metric?
A: The ‘supertimes’ metric shows that Mercedes’ deficit to Red Bull decreased from 0.504% (Monaco) to 0.502% (Silverstone) and 0.866% (Spa).
Q: What areas does Lewis Hamilton feel the W14 still needs to progress in?
A: Hamilton identified a lack of downforce and balance as areas where the W14 still needs improvement.
Q: How does Hamilton view his team’s progress overall?
A: Hamilton praised the team’s “big steps” and noted their better understanding of car positioning, consistent results, and improved reliability.
Q: What is Hamilton’s current position in the drivers’ standings, and who is he trailing?
A: Hamilton is currently fourth in the drivers’ standings, trailing Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso by one point.
Q: What does Hamilton expect in terms of the competitive order for the rest of the season?
A: Hamilton anticipates that the competitive order behind Red Bull will continue to shift during the second half of the season.
Q: How does Hamilton hope to finish the season in terms of team and individual standings?
A: Hamilton aims for second place in the constructors’ championship for the team and hopes to improve his own position in the drivers’ standings.
4 comments
car changes = improvements! merc going for 2nd in championship, hamilton catching up. exciting 2nd half of season, can’t wait! #Formula1
wow! merc car changes, but red bull still faster? hamilton wants more downforce & balance, go merc! #F1 #racing
mercedes’ progress after monaco? 2-3 in spain gp, but supertimes diff still small. hamilton confident, wants better position #F1champion
hamilton defends merc progress in f1, they switch car philo 2 red bull but still behind. podiums & consistent results, big steps! hope they get 2nd, maybe 1st?