Mercedes reportedly set for major updates for the Australian GP as their quest to unlock the W-13’s performance continues

Mercedes reportedly set for major updates for the Australian GP as their quest to unlock the W-13’s performance continues

Mercedes at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The third race of the 2022 season, the Australian GP, is here and is set to unleash pace-filled action on Sunday. The layout of the circuit has seen some changes as the number of DRS zones has been increased to 4 with only two detection lines.

And in Australia, Mercedes will try to make a massive improvement in its W13’s performance, which has looked only third fastest in pace and overall. As reported by Auto motor und sport, the Silver Arrows are planning a larger expansion stage for Melbourne, which includes a new rear wing and a new beam wing (between the rear wing and diffuser).

This comes in at a crucial time for the team as the new rear wing is likely to be tested the most in Melbourne, given the presence of four DRS zones. Reportedly, most of the teams are holding and collecting data from the first five races before making any significant changes to their cars.

FS Video

How is Mercedes looking so far compared to the rest of the grid?

Mercedes

The team after having won eight constructors’ titles from 2014-2021, was among the favorites on the grid ahead of the 2022 season and a new era, that has brought big regulatory changes to the sport. However, things didn’t pan out as per anyone’s expectations.

Mercedes appear to be the third fastest in terms of pace. The team is also yet to resolve porpoising completely, which is causing its drivers a good chunk of pace. Further, it causes unnecessary strain on the drivers.

In Saudi Arabia, only one of the Mercedes performed well, and surprisingly, that was George Russell’s. But despite his P5 finish there, he was quite behind Sergio Perez, who finished P4. 

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