Race day in Japan did not meet Mercedes’ expectations, with both of their drivers finishing outside the top five. Following the disappointing outcome, Toto Wolff, the boss of Mercedes, discussed the impact of the temperature drop and how the results were influenced by the change in track temperature on Sunday.
Toto Wolff: There was a three degree difference in track temperature between stint one and stint two and, as far as I know there is a relationship between our performance and track temperature, I don't think this…. https://t.co/AnrqA2oL5o
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) April 7, 2024
During the race, both drivers experienced much better second and third stints because of a track temperature drop. The presence of cloud cover caused the temperature to decrease by three degrees, allowing Hamilton and Russell to extract more performance from the Mercedes W15.
Interestingly, the higher track temperature during the first stint was not necessarily the reason for their initial poor performance. Toto Wolff clarified that while there is a relationship between performance and track temperature, it wasn’t the sole factor affecting their results in the first stint. Instead, they were strategically aiming for a one-stop strategy.
As per the post on X by “Junaid #JB17″, “Toto Wolff: There was a three degree difference in track temperature between stint one and stint two and, as far as I know there is a relationship between our performance and track temperature, I don’t think this….”
Race results due to the tire controversy for Mercedes
Despite the challenges, Lewis Hamilton expressed satisfaction with how the Mercedes W15 felt around Suzuka. He focused on making sensible changes and appreciated the car’s improved performance compared to previous years. Unfortunately, tire temperature issues and position swaps with teammate George Russell impacted Hamilton’s final result, as he finished in ninth place, scoring only two points. Currently, Hamilton stands ninth in the drivers’ championship, while Russell holds seventh place with 24 points.
“This is the nicest it’s felt over the last three years. I think last year, we were over a second off, we’re doing over seven-tenths today. Also this weekend I’m not like trying all these different random things. So I’ve been just much more focused on making sensible changes sensible changes. I think it’s worked. I was hoping it would be further ahead,” Hamilton said.
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