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Lewis Hamilton reveals that there are “underlying” issues that have stayed with the W14 from the troubled 2022 Mercedes Formula 1 car.
Mercedes are looking to bounce back after an unsuccessful 2022 campaign. The 2022 season saw Mercedes fail to win the constructors’ championship for the first time since the turbo hybrid era began in 2014.
Some positive news for the Silver Arrows during the pre-season test in Bahrain, as the team reported “no bouncing” with the W14. Porpoising was a key factor to Mercedes’ disappointing 2022 as it limited the potential of the W13 car.
However, several balance issues were experienced during the second day of running in the desert. Both Hamilton and Russell experienced balancing issues during the mid-corner phase. Russell would also have to park his W14 up due to a hydraulics failure.
Tweaks to the car were made overnight for the final day of pre-season testing before the season opener in Bahrain next week. Although the team were satisfied with the changes, Hamilton stated that “underlying” issues from last year’s W13 had carried over to their 2023 challenger.
Difficult to see where the W14 stands in the pecking order
The three-day test saw some interesting results, with Zhou Guanyu topping the second day of practice and Fernando Alonso finishing second on the first day. However, times are most likely not fully representative. Therefore, it is unclear as to where teams stand after the test.
Hamilton spoke on Saturday, after testing was completed, reporting that it is “difficult to sum [improvements on new car] up”.
“We’ve had a couple of difficult days and yesterday particularly was difficult. The first day didn’t feel too bad. Yesterday was a little bit more of a struggle,” the Mercedes driver said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
“George has had a much better morning today [running much close behind leader Charles Leclerc in the morning times], so things are going up, so hopefully we’ve got the set-up in the middle of the place.”
The seven-time world champion was asked to compare the W14 to the troubled 2022 Mercedes. The 38-year-old responded:
“Right now, for example, the bouncing that we had has pretty much gone. That’s a huge step for us.
“It’s nice to drive it without the bouncing in the corners. But there are still some underlying things that we are working through.”
Not much hope for race win in Bahrain
The Briton does not expect big things for the season opener in Bahrain next week, as Red Bull look the clear favourites. However, the seven-time world champion is willing to go through data to try and do anything to make the car as quick as possible.
Hamilton admitted that the season opener will be “tough” after a “short period of testing”. The Briton continued by saying the team’ main goal was to “hit the ground running in understanding the car, the tyres and ability to respond”.
“Some of the balance limitations that we had last year are present. I’m really proud of everyone in the team for continuing to remain positive after a tough year last year.
“Amazing work through the winter to arrive and have the mileage that we’ve had. Every single year they arrive with the same mental focus and determination to fix whatever issue we have.
“I enjoy being in the offices just chugging away going through the data. We will hopefully get there.”
Feature Image Credit: Dan Istitene via Getty Images