Mercedes Launches Investigation into Brake Issues Hampering Lewis Hamilton at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Raising Alarms for 2024 Car Development
Mercedes, in the midst of preparing the machinery for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell for the upcoming F1 season in 2024, has encountered a significant hurdle. The team is diligently investigating a brake-related problem that Lewis Hamilton faced during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The concern is not merely immediate, but it extends to fears that the issue could have ramifications for the development of their 2024 car.
Both Hamilton and Russell are eager for a significant improvement in performance and reliability compared to the challenges posed by their recent cars. While Mercedes has maintained a robust reliability record, some apprehensions surfaced late in the current season. Notably, George Russell was compelled to retire from the Brazilian Grand Prix due to critical oil temperatures in his engine.
In the case of Hamilton, he navigated a unique problem during the later stages of the Abu Dhabi season finale. Although he skillfully nursed his car to the finish line, Mercedes’ Head of Race Strategy, Rosie Wait, disclosed that the team is now meticulously examining this issue within the broader framework of their 2024 car development.
This investigative approach underscores the team’s commitment not only to resolving immediate concerns but also to ensuring a more robust and dependable platform for their drivers in the upcoming season. As Mercedes strives for excellence, the thorough examination of these technical challenges becomes integral to maintaining their competitive edge in Formula 1.
“Lewis was managing brake issues throughout the race, which was a real reliability concern,” she said in a video released by the team. “So, our number one priority was making sure that we got that car to the finish and didn’t have to retire it.
“That will have affected his performance to varying degrees throughout the race and is something that we are certainly working on to improve for next year’s car.”
Despite Facing Challenges, Mercedes Secures Second Place in Constructors’ Championship, Falling Short of Runaway Champions Red Bull
In a season marked by adversity, Mercedes achieved the commendable feat of finishing second in the constructors’ championship, with Red Bull dominating as runaway champions. This outcome, while respectable for most teams, is unfamiliar territory for Mercedes, which had clinched eight consecutive titles from 2014 to 2021. Accustomed to a history of unparalleled success, the Silver Arrows find themselves in an unusual position, not accustomed to, nor content with, being runners-up.
Team Principal Toto Wolff Acknowledges High-Stakes Move as Mercedes Takes a Bold Gamble to Equip Hamilton and Russell for Battle Against Max Verstappen and Red Bull
In a determined effort to provide Lewis Hamilton and George Russell with a competitive car capable of challenging Max Verstappen and Red Bull, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff openly concedes that the team is embarking on a substantial and high-stakes risk. The admission underscores the urgency and commitment within the Mercedes camp to elevate their performance and regain a competitive edge in the Formula 1 arena.
“We are changing the concept. We are completely moving away from how we laid out the chassis, the weight distribution, the airflow,” he said.
“I mean, literally, there’s almost every component that’s being changed because only by doing that, I think we have a chance.” But the Austrian warned: “We could get it wrong also. So, between not gaining what we expect, catching up and making a big step and competing in the front, everything is possible.
“There’s a Mount Everest to climb in order to catch up with Red Bull. I have no doubt that McLaren is going to be right in the mix next year, and maybe Aston Martin and maybe others. We must leave no stone unturned, which we do in Brixworth and Brackley. And as tough as it is to be reminded that it’s just P2, it’s also a great, great opportunity to come back and strive for the stars.”
