Last week at the Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell achieved a dual podium finish following the Brackley team’s extensive upgrade package, which resulted in a significant advancement.
Even though Hamilton was still 24 seconds behind the triumphant Max Verstappen, Mercedes’ W14 emerged as the second most potent vehicle on the high-downforce track, giving the team a robust foundation to continue its resurgence.
The dual podium finish also pushed Mercedes past Aston Martin to occupy the second position in the constructors’ standings.
However, Shovlin, the director of trackside engineering for the team, anticipates that the Canadian Grand Prix will pose a tougher test for the Silver Arrows. This is due to the low-downforce characteristics of Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which is in stark contrast to the Barcelona track where their overhauled 2023 car performed competitively.
“The truth is, the upgrade kit is extremely efficient around high-speed performance tracks such as Barcelona,” said Shovlin in Mercedes’ post-race debriefing on Wednesday.
“We have performed better on faster circuits and tracks with front limitations. We achieved an excellent balance and remarkable race pace.
“However, the next circuit, Montreal, is entirely different. It has more low-speed turns and a considerable amount of full throttle straight-line segments. We anticipate a bigger challenge there.
“We’re not under the impression that we’ll be hot on Red Bull’s trail. We understand that the Canadian Grand Prix is likely to pose a more considerable challenge than the recent Sunday race in Barcelona.”
Shovlin predicts Mercedes might find itself competing with the pack trailing Red Bull, which includes Aston Martin and Ferrari. He also thinks that Alpine, due to Esteban Ocon’s recent podium in Monaco, could be part of the mix.
“We anticipate that the situation will resemble some of the initial races where we were directly competing with Ferrari and Aston, and now it seems Alpine has joined the fray,” he further clarified.
“However, the racing there is thrilling. It will be entertaining, and we’re certainly going to strive to extract every ounce of performance we can.
“With the current grid setup, you could either end up in P2 or P10, with only a few tenths of a second separating the two.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mercedes F1 Performance Challenges
How did Lewis Hamilton and George Russell perform in the Spanish Grand Prix?
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both achieved podium finishes in the Spanish Grand Prix, following a comprehensive upgrade to their team’s vehicle.
What was the outcome of the Mercedes upgrade at the Spanish Grand Prix?
The upgrade package provided a significant step forward for Mercedes. Their car, W14, was the second-strongest vehicle on the high-downforce Barcelona circuit, providing a solid baseline for the team’s continued recovery.
Where does Mercedes stand in the constructors’ standings after the Spanish Grand Prix?
After securing a double podium at the Spanish Grand Prix, Mercedes rose above Aston Martin to take second place in the constructors’ standings.
Why does the team anticipate the Canadian Grand Prix to be a tougher challenge?
The Canadian Grand Prix, held at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, is a low-downforce circuit, which differs greatly from the Barcelona circuit where the upgraded Mercedes car performed competitively. The team anticipates a more significant challenge due to these different characteristics.
Who does Mercedes expect to be competing with at the Canadian Grand Prix?
Mercedes expects to be competing with the group chasing Red Bull, which includes Aston Martin and Ferrari. They also believe that Alpine, following Esteban Ocon’s recent podium in Monaco, will join the group.
What is Mercedes’ approach heading into the Canadian Grand Prix?
Despite anticipating a tougher challenge, Mercedes plans to continue fighting to extract every ounce of performance from their vehicle. The team recognizes the varying circumstances and competitive nature of each circuit and aims to adapt accordingly.
26 comments
Wow! Never thot Mercedes would struggle after Barca. This season is just crazy, anyone could win!
It’s fascinating how the different circuits can completely change the game. Shows you how important strategy is in F1.
montreal is gonna be epic! cant wait to see how the silver arrows handle it.
Verstappen is just too good, doesn’t matter what Merc does, Max is always ahead.
Look at Alpine sneakin up in the ranks! Ocon’s Monaco podium might just be the start, keep an eye out folks.
Oh man, Mercedes got their car all upgraded and ready for the Canadian Grand Prix, eh? But they reckon it’s gonna be a real challenge, ’cause the track in Montreal is totally different from Barcelona. Gonna be some intense competition, eh?
Can’t wait to see Mercedes’ upgraded F1 car in action at the Canadian Grand Prix! They had a solid performance in Barcelona, but Montreal’s low-downforce track will really test ’em. Gonna be a nail-biter for sure!
Mercedes might have had a good race in Spain, but they’re not expecting an easy ride in Canada. That circuit in Montreal is gonna put their upgraded car to the test with all those low-speed corners. It’s gonna be a real challenge, but that’s what makes it exciting!
Mercedes knows they gotta bring their A-game to Canada. The upgraded car did great in Barcelona, but the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a whole different beast. Gonna be a real fight for those podium spots, and Mercedes is gonna have to work hard to stay ahead of the pack.
Woah, Mercedes is expecting a tougher time in Canada than in Barcelona. The upgraded car did well on high-speed circuits, but Montreal’s got more slow corners and full-throttle stretches. Gonna be interesting to see if they can keep up with Red Bull and the rest of the pack!
OMG, Mercedes’ upgraded F1 car is gonna face a major challenge in Canada! They did well in Barcelona, but Montreal’s circuit is the total opposite! Low-downforce, lots of corners, gonna be tough, man! Can’t wait to see them battle it out with Aston Martin and Ferrari! #ExcitingRacing
So, Mercedes had a solid weekend in Spain, but they ain’t expecting the same in Canada, eh? That Circuit Gilles Villeneuve gonna test ’em for real! Gonna be interesting to see if they can keep up with Red Bull or if they gonna slide back with Aston Martin and Ferrari. Grid’s so tight, every little bit of performance counts! #FierceCompetition
Lewis and George did a great job in Spain, clinching that double podium for Mercedes! But hold on, folks! Montreal gonna be a whole different ball game! Less downforce, more straights. Gonna be nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat racing, no doubt! Let’s see if they can hang in there with Red Bull or if they gonna be mixing it up with Ferrari and Alpine! #BringItOn
Wow, the Canadian Grand Prix sounds like a real challenge for Mercedes! They did so well in Barcelona, but now they have to face a totally different kind of track. Can’t wait to see how they perform in Canada!
Mercedes is aware that Canada won’t be a piece of cake like Barcelona was. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve demands a different approach with its low-speed corners and long stretches of full throttle. It’s going to be a real fight for every bit of performance!
Looks like Mercedes might have a tougher time in Canada with their upgraded car. Barcelona suited them well, but Montreal’s circuit is a whole different story. It’ll be interesting to see if they can keep up with Red Bull and the chasing pack.
The Canadian Grand Prix could shake things up for Mercedes. After their strong showing in Spain, they’ll need to adapt to the unique challenges of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. It’s a tight competition out there, and every small advantage counts!
Mercedes thinks Canada’s gonna be a toughie with their upgraded F1 car. Low-downforce track ain’t like Barcelona, where they rocked it. Can’t wait for the race, gonna be tight with Red Bull, Aston Martin, and Alpine joining the mix!
Upgraded F1 car has Mercedes worried in Canada. Low-downforce circuit gonna be a real challenge, unlike Barcelona. They’re expecting a tough fight with Red Bull, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Alpine. Exciting racing ahead!
Mercedes upgrading their F1 car is great, but Canada’s gonna test ’em. Low-downforce track’s not like Barcelona where they did well. Gonna be tight with Red Bull, Aston Martin, and Alpine joining the party. Can’t wait for the action!
Wow, Merces anticipates a tough time in Canada! Circuit Gilles Villneuve so diffrent from Barcelona, they’ll need to find moe spee. Exciting race ahead!
Mercedes’ upgraded car did well in Barcelon, but now they’re in for a bigger challnge in Canada. Low-downforce track, more cornrs, full-throttle straights. Gonna be a close fight!
Mercedes’ W14 showed promise in Spain, but Canada’s a whole new ball game. Gilles Villneuve is a tricky circuit with its own demands. Let’s see if they can find the right balance!
Mercedes gettin’ ready for the Canadian Grand Prix, eh? They had a solid upgrade in Spain, but now they gotta deal with a whole new challenge on that low-downforce track in Montreal. Gonna be a tough one, eh?
Looks like Mercedes is playin’ catch-up with Red Bull again. The Canadian Grand Prix ain’t gonna be a walk in the park for ’em. Gotta watch out for Aston Martin, Ferrari, and now even Alpine! The midfield battle’s heating up, folks.
Mercedes had a decent weekend in Barcelona, but now they gotta tackle a completely different beast in Canada. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is gonna test their revamped car, especially with all those low-speed corners and full-throttle straights. Exciting times ahead in Formula 1!