Have there been any updates on the Merc recently? They have been slow since Monaco.
Yes, but not as many as others are bolting on. Since Monaco, we've seen a new front wing, new sidepods, new barge boards, new turning vanes under the nose, and a couple suspension updates.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/19064856?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter Interesting article. As I thought, that exhaust really seems to be hurting them. I can't figure out for the life of me why they don't go in a different direction with it. UNLESS, as Ferraripilot said, they are not focused on the title this year and since the exhaust rules will be tightened up next year they are doing lots of research and collecting data using their very basic exhaust this year, since that will be the type mandated in 2013.
Gary is a sharp fellow. It is an interesting review of their situation and he outlines how their ddrs is sort of hindering them as it's forcing them to change w03s setup at the front end just so the front end is more driveable so they CAN use the ddrs. He hits a key point that w03 is missing 60kg of front downforce becuase of this. This actually makes sense me now that they not continue with this exhaust, while before I saw no benefit and neither did lotus. The idea that ddrs mucks with so much Just to use the thing is nutty and they either need to ditch it or make it work by squaring out the back end. It's not too late and I know they don't want to be passed by Sauber.
Are they even changing the rules next year as far as exhausts go to limit the Coanda effect? (i.e. only periscope allowed?) I have definitely noticed the MB's front wing has looked very spartan since Canada.
Earlier in the year Brawn stated the exhaust rules were being further tightened, but until it comes from Whiting's mouth I just don't know. Tehnically speaking, the current rule says 'no blowing to the diffuser at all and if I believe you are blowing the diffuser I will ban it under 3.15'. Well, this is clearly not the case as all those exhausts are still around and not even close to being banned. I have to wonder if W03s heat venting is keeping them from changing exhausts. Ferrari had a heck of a time changing their heat ducting around so their exhaust could change of you remember.
They have been slow indeed. Even MS himself now openly says so: http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/automobil/verfolgt-mercedes-das-falsche-konzept-5316041.html Es ist offensichtlich, dass die Geschwindigkeit bei der Entwicklung im Vergleich zum einen oder anderen nicht in Ordnung ist. Translation: It is obvious that the speed of the development is not ok compared to other teams. BTW: Very interesting article all around.
They've had to compromise the front end of the car way too much for that DDRS system now, all in the name of tire wear. They need to change the exhaust, I believe that is the answer here. 9 races remaining and they should have another win and a couple more podiums to call this a good season.
http://www.f1technical.net/news/17677?sid=6f9e5eff6d9a850f3d8063974099188b Mercedes technical restructure going down. This possibly means a couple things: the current TD(s) want to be more 'hands on' with regard to the car and step down from a managerial position, or Mercedes are adding another department which this new TD will manage
Or, they're gonna be firing some folks and downsizing as suggested in the article! Dunno who wrote the story but I reckon Brawn would be *pissed* if any of his guys were forced out..... [Costa, Bell and/or Willis] Cheers, Ian
The million $ question right there....... There does appear to be the beginnings of some "unhappy" noises coming from Brackley it seems. Cheers, Ian
Last I heard as of this morning is that it's just a technical change-up and it's being blown out of proportion by the media. Surprise surprise lol
W04 or bust! MB also need to work on their pit stops, they went from one of the best last year to pretty lackluster this year.
- It is unclear if the men are going to be retained at Mercedes, it is also possible that Mercedes is looking to reduce F1 costs and may seek to create a leaner organizational structure. - MB hasn't signed the Concorde agreement yet. - MS publicly criticizes MB for their lack of speed in development. - http://news.yahoo.com/mercedes-car-sales-post-first-monthly-drop-2012-104417215--finance.html FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Daimler's luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz suffered its first monthly drop in volumes this year, suggesting a broader economic slowdown in major markets like China and Germany is starting to impact demand for premium cars. Sales of Mercedes-Benz cars fell 3.1 percent to 97,327 vehicles in July, as demand in China slid by nearly one percent. Even in Germany, western Europe's largest, most lucrative car market and long a pillar of stability, sales fell by over 11 percent. Connect the dots.
Indeed they have had some poor pit stops this year. Michael's first podium this year was destroyed because of it!! (China) And yes, W04 is it. That cars needs to be a contender, not necessarily a dominator, but it needs to be excellent. OTOH, Red Bull took 5 years to win their first race, and that was with Newey at the helm, so in that respect I see MB as doing quite well now.
F1 is integral to their road car paradigm now. Have you been to an MB dealer lately? It's not going anywhere.
They might not be leaving the sport at this point, but budgets will be tighter going forward. Less bucks, less Buck Rogers.
I think they are simply stepping away from the old Mclaren-like multiple technical director paradigm. MB F1 are actually hiring more people as we speak, they are accepting applications through 8/17/12. I'll put in a good word for you if you want (I'll probably just tell them the type of beers you like for all the bets you may win haha). Is it just me, or is anyone else befuddled by Ferrari's hiring of Loic Bigios? He was MBs former aero guy and before that, Honda. Ferrari tend not to hire complete clods, but during Loic's last stint at MB he was about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
Or... They may just be showing that F1 isn't so important to them. Unless they get a Ferrari/McLaren sized slice of the new Concorde.
If for some crazy reason they pull out, who here believes Flavio could put together a group of investors to buy the team? I bet he could. Benetton part II He's only banned from ever attending FiA sanctioned events and managing drivers, but not owning a team.......
+1 Add RBR to that list as the two-time defending champion - Despite "popular belief", Bernie *hates* teams changing their names and makes it very unattractive ($ wise) to do so - If RBR was to change monikers it would cost 'em *huge* money in delayed payments that would no longer be due for example. Anyway, I've said before, I don't think Merc's entitled to special treatment. If they get it, Renault (and Cossie come to that) will *howl* about unfair treatment. The way you get a bigger slice is to win a WCC or two. Cheers, Ian
