Mercedes has been facing challenges in recent races, struggling to keep up with the pace set by Ferrari and McLaren. Despite this, they have a significant lead over Red Bull and Aston Martin in the Constructors’ Championship standings going into the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The team will not be bringing any upgrades to the upcoming event in Brazil, with concerns about the cost cap limiting the number of new parts they can add to the car. Andrew Shovlin, a key figure at Mercedes, sees the remainder of the 2024 Formula One season as an opportunity to test the W16 car and gain an advantage for the following year.
During the US Grand Prix, George Russell crashed during qualifying, damaging new components on the car. This forced Mercedes to make adjustments to their upgrade plan and invest in a new chassis, leaving them with limited resources for the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix.
As they head to Interlagos, Mercedes is uncertain about how their current car will perform on the track. They may revert to an earlier setup that Lewis Hamilton felt more comfortable with, following feedback from Russell. The team is focused on consistency and data collection as they aim to improve their performance.
Despite their recent struggles, Mercedes has a history of success at Interlagos, winning six races since 2014. Last year, Hamilton was named an honorary citizen of Brazil in recognition of his achievements at the racetrack and his support for Brazilian culture in Formula One.
With a strong track record at Interlagos, including a surprise 1-2 finish in 2022, Mercedes will be looking to continue their success at the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Can they produce a competitive car that will challenge Ferrari and secure a strong finish in Brazil? Only time will tell.
