Mercedes admit FUNDAMENTAL flaw in 2024 design

Mercedes engineer Andrew Shovlin has admitted that the team's 2024 car may have a fundamental flaw, which has already been exposed.

Lewis Hamilton's team have failed to record a top-five finish in the first two races of the season, with Hamilton himself qualifying on the fourth row at best.

READ MORE: Pat McAfee slams 'BORING' F1 in Verstappen jab

The team have identified a weakness in high-speed corners which is preventing them from reaching their full setup potential.

But now they are hinting that the issue may be more ‘fundamental’ after leaving Jeddah and heading back to the factory to study the data from the first two races.

READ MORE: Perez reveals how Red Bull future will be decided

'Fundamental' issues for Mercedes

Andrew Shovlin has had time to reflect on their performance and believes that their issues may lie deeper within the car’s DNA.

“We can also look at the global performance of the two cars,” he said on the team’s YouTube channel.

“But fundamentally the limitations that we had in qualifying and the race, they were broadly the same for both [drivers].

“So, it’s telling you it’s not a small difference or it’s not a tiny bit of camber or a spring or bar here and there. It’s something more fundamental that we need to dig in to and understand.”

They have plenty of time to suggest a few solutions before they land in Australia for the third grand prix of the season in Melbourne.

It appears they may be the fourth fastest team on the grid while they attempt to grapple with their new concept and find a way to maximise its potential.

READ MORE: FIA offer update on Horner Red Bull accuser complaint reports

Related

Latest F1 News

Mercedes give massive hint at shock driver signing for 2025

• November 7, 2024 20:00

Brazilian Grand Prix

FIA confirm Hamilton PUNISHMENT in official statement

• November 5, 2024 03:00