Mercedes AMG Petronas W14

[Nitrodaze]

If you can give drivers credit for making the car fast can you then assign blame for drivers for when the car is crap?

Sent from my Takapalk.

I know we have heavily criticized the Mercedes W14. And l doubt all those who are saying Mercedes would be faster if they adopt the Redbull sidepod concept. I think Mercedes is developing a new concept that may be the next-generation platform to beat. New concepts take time to mature. And they are honing it and tweaking it. But developing a new concept is usually done at the expense of competitiveness at the outset. Drivers and fans not used to Mercedes being slower than the competition are frustrated and occasionally strong words are used.

I kind of get it now, and l think this no-sidepod concept will come good in time. But l think their CFD and wind tunnel work missed something. And that surprised them when they finally witnessed how far off they were from where they hoped to be. It is not about blame. It had to be said openly what was not working so that it can be fixed. Not saying anything would not help them recognize the pain points of the car.