Lewis Hamilton is disappointed that Mercedes’ latest upgrade package for 2022 has not delivered the expected performance boost.
Lewis Hamilton disappointed that MercedesThe final update pack of 2022 did not bring the expected performance improvements.
Although Red Bull and Ferrari clearly outclassed in 2022, the reigning Constructors’ Champions landed in Austin with a significant upgrade package.
The Mercedes package included a new floor, key weight savings and new front and rear fenders.
The head of engineering, Andrew Shaulin, said on Thursday that the new front wing design should “improve the management of swirl around the tires”.
The FIA, however, ruled that the five bright mini-wings on the wing were not legal because they contributed to aerodynamic “radiations”, which was against the spirit of the 2022 rules.
“It could be interpreted as a provocative response to the story about budget cuts,” suggested La Gazzetta dello Sport correspondent Paolo Filizetti.
But Shoulin said Austin’s full facelift – the latest for 2022 – was “a mix of improving the performance of this year’s car and making sure our understanding is right where we’re going in the right direction” for next year.
Hamilton, who has yet to win a race in 2022, qualified fifth on Saturday.
“I’m certainly not satisfied,” the seven-time world champion said after the Viaplay.
“Everyone has worked so hard to make these updates and we are not moving forward. P5 is fine, but it’s hard to see the hard work being done and the gap still so big.”
Asked what would make him happier, the 37-year-old said: “Definitely a win but I think if we can keep up that would be great.
“I expect we’ll be able to keep up for a while, but on pure pace we can’t seem to get any closer once we refresh.”
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/formula-1/mercedes/news/fia-rules-provocative-mercedes-wing-illegal_497657.html
