Since the introduction of the 2022 regulations, Mercedes has faced significant challenges in regaining its former dominance. The team’s W15 car has been particularly troublesome, leading to inconsistent performances and frustrating results for drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Russell Labels W15 the Most Inconsistent
But for all that struggle, ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, driver George Russell has boldly stated that the W15 is the most inconsistent car Mercedes has ever produced. While the 2022 cars were undoubtedly challenging due to their unpredictable behavior, Russell believes the current car’s inconsistency is more perplexing.
“In 2022, in the proposing era, without a doubt that was far more unpleasant, but because of the nature of those cars,” Russell admitted. “It was far harder to get close to the limit because you were jumping around every single corner, and you knew that it was going to bite you. The problem we’ve got with this car at the moment is you think it’s not going to bite you, and you can achieve a really great lap, and then suddenly, nothing changes – or you feel nothing changes the following lap – and you lose all that performance.”
Those are strong words from Russell, who also referred to the W15 as the “fourth fastest” car on the 2024 Grand Prix circuit – but he also has a point.
A Difficult Season for Mercedes
The team was revitalized in 2010 with drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg behind the wheel. During that time, only Rosberg was able to secure a single victory, showing that the team was trending more toward the midpack. In 2024, the Mercedes outfit has been able to take three wins between its two drivers, but those victories have seemed almost miraculous when compared to the rest of a difficult season.
Despite the team’s historical success, the 2024 season has been a struggle. Hamilton and Russell have struggled to consistently secure podium finishes, often finding themselves mired in the midfield. While they have managed to secure three victories, these wins have been outliers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. As the team prepares for the Brazilian Grand Prix, Russell acknowledges the limitations of the W15 and emphasizes the need for consistency and focuses on laying the groundwork for a more competitive 2025 season. By addressing the car’s inherent inconsistency, Mercedes hopes to return to the front of the grid and reclaim its former glory.
