James Allison states that the latest upgrade package for the Mercedes W15 has significantly improved the car’s performance for the drivers.
In a thrilling display at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes showcased their newly upgraded W15, racing near the front for the first time this season. George Russell’s stellar performance saw him snatch pole position by a razor-thin margin of 0.000 seconds, matching Max Verstappen’s time but securing the top spot by setting it first. This remarkable feat marked Mercedes’ resurgence, with Russell confidently leading the opening laps before slipping back as conditions changed.
Strategic decisions and timely Safety Cars kept Russell in the running. However, a critical error during a battle with Oscar Piastri dashed his hopes for second place or a potential victory. Despite this, Russell’s pace in the closing laps, aided by a ‘free’ pit stop under the final Safety Car, showcased the car’s improved performance. He ultimately secured third place, earning Mercedes their first podium finish of the season and highlighting the progress made with the W15’s recent upgrades.
Russell led the charge for Mercedes, with teammate Lewis Hamilton unable to match his heights. Reflecting on the race, technical director James Allison praised the new front wing introduced at the Monaco Grand Prix, now fitted on both cars in Montreal.
“The front wing performed as expected,” Allison stated in the team’s post-race debrief. “We had a sense of its behavior from Monaco, where only George used it. In Montreal, with both cars equipped, we anticipated better performance due to the more conventional circuit compared to Monaco. The upgrade delivered, making the car easier to drive, well-balanced, and transforming it from a challenging machine into a driver-friendly ally, addressing issues that plagued us earlier in the season.”
With these significant improvements, Mercedes is poised to build on this momentum in the upcoming races, aiming for more podium finishes and a stronger presence at the front of the grid.
