Mercedes Concerned About Losing Advantage in Formula 1 Race-Day Tire Performance Compared to Ferrari
In the early part of the season, Mercedes had an advantage in races due to its W14 car being gentler on its tires compared to Ferrari's SF-23. However, Ferrari has made significant progress in understanding why its 2023 car was tough on its tires initially, resulting in a substantial improvement in race pace.
With both teams now locked in a battle for second place in the constructors' championship, the shift in car characteristics could play a crucial role in determining their positions over the remaining six races of the season.
At the recent Japanese Grand Prix, where tire degradation played a vital role in race pace, Ferrari demonstrated its tire management prowess as Charles Leclerc finished ahead of the lead Mercedes car driven by Lewis Hamilton. This performance indicated that Ferrari had caught up in managing tire degradation, according to Mercedes' trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin.
Shovlin attributed Mercedes' performance deficit during the Japanese GP weekend to a lack of downforce, particularly through fast corners. He mentioned that grip in fast corners, which is influenced by downforce, was crucial at the Suzuka track. Ferrari introduced an updated floor, possibly contributing to their progress, but the degradation advantage Mercedes had earlier in the season wasn't as pronounced in recent races.
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, acknowledged the team's improvements in tire management, especially in challenging conditions like those seen in Suzuka, compared to the early races of the season. He noted that their tire management skills had improved, and their strategy was well-executed during the race.
>>> Read more: Max Verstappen Expected To Surpass Lewis Hamilton As Formula 1's First 'Billion-Dollar' Driver
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