As the German carmaker has been able to better deal with the nagging problems that marred the start of its campaign, it has been able to devote more resources in recent races to unlock a more normal performance development.
This included a number of changes at the British Grand Prix which helped Lewis Hamilton challenge Ferrari for the race win before eventually coming home third.
Aware that it still needs to find more lap time if it is to become a regular threat for wins, the team is expected to introduce a fairly extensive upgrade for this weekend’s race at Paul Ricard.
Team boss Toto Wolff said a recent run of podiums showed the team was moving in the right direction, but said more was still needed.
“We scored three podiums in the first seven races and now we have four in the last four,” he said.
“I’m pleased with the momentum we’re building and it reflects a tremendous team effort. Our understanding of the W13 grows with each lap and it is encouraging to see this reflected in our development and results.
“Even though we were faster in Austria, we still weren’t fast enough to challenge at the front. We have to keep chasing the last few tenths and bringing new developments to the cars, including this weekend in France.”
While the full extent of Mercedes’ developments are likely to remain under wraps until Friday morning, the Brackley-based team looks to be working with an all-new nose design.
Mercedes W13 front wing
Photo: Giorgio Piola
The design features a different profile than the previous flatter version (new upper nose section above) and looks more subtle in its taper as it blends into the rest of the nose structure.
Mercedes is chasing improved straight-line speed performance with its W13, and perhaps the new nose shape is an attempt to reduce drag.
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The new design also includes a different approach to the driver cooling vents at the front end – although this could be prompted by the high temperatures expected in France this weekend.
This weekend’s French Grand Prix is seen as one of Mercedes’ best chances of a race win this season, with the track’s smooth surface and high-speed nature ideally suited to the characteristics of its 2022 contender.
Mercedes W13 nose comparison
Photo by: Uncredited
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