Mercedes F1, plan B that copied Red Bull “not planned”[F1-Gate.com]

Mercedes F1 technical director Mike Elliott has confirmed that the W14 update will be introduced at some point, but will not copy Red Bull’s successful concept with revised bodywork. Declared. For its 2023 car, the W14, Mercedes has opted to continue with the troubled zero-sidepod profile it adopted last season with its first new-generation design.

At the Mercedes W14 launch at Silverstone, Toto Wolff said the innovative concept was not the “root” cause of the chronic problems of porpassing and lack of performance, but the new W14’s He hinted at future design changes in the sidepod area. “The sidepods will be changed. Not immediately, but we are looking at a solution,” said Wolff. Last week in Bahrain, Mike Elliott confirmed the intentions of the Mercedes F1 team. “The bodywork is planned and it will change the look,” a Mercedes engineer told Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz. “It won’t look like someone else’s car. It will look like an evolution of our car. It’s getting closer.” “It’s someone else’s [車] It doesn’t look like It looks like an evolution of our car. It’s on the way.” Mike Elliott has revealed that the new design is not a direction for Red Bull’s aggressive sidepod concept. “That’s not in the current plans,” said Mike Elliott. After pre-season testing, Mercedes is theoretically expected to join Red Bull and Ferrari in the 2023 season opener next weekend. However, Mike Elliott is confident the Brackley team can stand shoulder to shoulder with their rivals for the title this year. “In terms of competition, hopefully we’ll be back, but I think we have to be humble and remember we have good rivals,” said Mike Elliott. Said. “If we take a step forward and get close to the front, we can come back and if we can develop it all season, we can be in the fight for the championship.”