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Haug thinks Mercedes should expect nothing from FIA after Horner verdict
- GPblog.com
Norbert Haug suspects that Mercedes should not expect too much from the FIA regarding a solution to the porpoising problem. The former Mercedes boss thinks that the German racing team will eventually have to come up with its own solution to reduce the violent bouncing of the W13.
"I can't imagine that adjustments to the rules will follow," Haug is quoted as saying by Sky. In doing so, he points to Christian Horner's statements last weekend. "Especially since Red Bull has already commented that it would be an unfair measure. I don't think the Mercedes problem will suddenly disappear in the short term."
W13 doesn't deliver yet
This is the first time in years that Mercedes has struggled in Formula 1. Between 2014 and 2021 it took the constructors' title every year. This was mainly due to its superior engine. Haug: "Mercedes lived off that and built a car with relatively high downforce and drag each time. Now that the other engine suppliers have approached their level, you have to try out a revolutionary aerodynamic concept. That's why Mercedes is under the most pressure."
Deat the 2022 car of the reigning world champion is currently not competitive enough is no secret. Still, the 69-year-old German thinks his former employer will recover. In doing so, he does not rule out the need to jettison the W13's revolutionary aerodynamic concept with its very narrow sidepods. Haug sees another world title this season as almost impossible, but at a circuit like Silverstone (with fast corners) Mercedes could excel.
Mercedes doesn't have it yet
Where in previous seasons a Mercedes victory at the start of the season was a certainty, this year is different after the rule changes. The Brackley formation has been on the podium four times so far. Three times George Russell scored a third place. Lewis Hamilton crossed the finish line third once, during the opening race in Bahrain.