The second third of the 2024 Formula One season begins this weekend in Canada, with round nine kicking off a run of six races in eight weeks as we head towards the summer break.
After a double-header in Europe, Toto and the team head to North America for the second time this season, to the legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
W15’s development has been steady, but positive. Imola and Monaco both demonstrated the car is moving in the right direction, as Toto explains.
“We had an encouraging weekend in Monaco. We continue to make solid progress with our car, improving its overall balance and taking a step closer to those ahead,” he said.
Gaps to the front have been coming down, from three quarters of a minute at the season-opener in Bahrain, to just under 15 seconds around the streets of Monaco, though the team’s best Grand Prix finishing position to date remains P5.
“The progress is not yet showing in terms of positions, but if we continue to close the gap to the fastest cars, we know it will in due course,” adds Toto.
Part of that performance upgrade package came in the shape of a new front wing on George’s car two weeks ago, and the updated part will be run across both cars this time out in Canada.
The signs were in encouraging, and offers room for optimism as we head to more traditional layouts in the coming weeks.
“Both drivers will have the new front wing, and there will be some other development items for this event,” said Toto.
“The new front wing offered a small lap-time gain around the tight streets of the principality, and should offer greater benefit on upcoming circuits.”
With the field in front so tightly bunched and competitive, Toto also knows the challenges still lying ahead.
“The front of the field is incredibly competitive. It has compressed and we are under no illusions that others will continue to improve,” he said.
“We have to continue to work hard to get ourselves into the mix.”
Source :Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team