FIA gives verdict on legality of the Mercedes W15 front wing after complaint lodged by Ferrari and Aston Martin

Mercedes was walking the tightrope while designing the front wing for the W15 challenger.

FIA gives verdict on legality of the Mercedes W15 front wing after complaint lodged by Ferrari and Aston Martin

Lewis Hamilto and Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)

The 2024 season will highlight Mercedes‘ attempt at creating a chassis completely different from the previous challengers developed by the team in F1. Hence, Brackley recently revealed the W15 challenger. Ferrari and Aston Martin considered the W15’s front wing borderline illegal and subsequently lodged a complaint against it.

The rivals were worried that the wing would bend while driving the car at high speeds, further providing an unfair advantage over the other teams. The team tried to recreate the Y250 vortex from the previous era’s challengers. Hence, Mercedes created the W15’s front wing as such which was borderline illegal and could’ve been in danger if the chassis was declared unfair.

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However, reports suggest that the chassis received a green light from the FIA as the governing body did not rule out the front wing as ‘Illegal’. Hence, Mercedes prepares for the testing session in Bahrain without bringing about any major changes to the front wing of the W15. Time will tell about the benefits of the new front wing on the chassis.

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The W15 will include a Whatsapp button on the steering wheel following a long-term deal

The W15 Challenger from Mercedes will have another awesome addition to the steering wheel. The challenger’s steering wheel will have a special button etched with the Whatsapp logo to showcase the two giant’s long-term deal in Formula 1. This was similar to McLaren’s deal with Google Chrome where Woking displayed the partnership through the colors around the headrest.

Mercedes W15 and WhatsApp collaboration via Mercedes X handle
Mercedes W15 and WhatsApp collaboration via Mercedes X handle

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will use the button to communicate with the pit wall during the races. Hence, fans around the world have liked the addition, considering it a great gig. Mercedes would present their drivers with the best opportunities down the season to win races, after facing a victory slump in 2023.

Brackley wants to bid a proper farewell to the seven-time world champion at the end of 2024. Hamilton would also push for great results down the season and potentially compete for the world championship. George Russell is also looking ahead at outscoring, if not equaling his overachieving teammate as he races alongside Hamilton for one last time.

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