MB F1 Preview - Spa-Francorchamps, 2023

Formula One - Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, 2023 Hungarian GP. Lewis Hamilton

Hungary was a weekend of highs and lows. Our pace was strong on Saturday and Sunday, but we didn’t maximise that across the weekend. Lewis produced a brilliant lap to take pole position. However, on Sunday, we were too conservative with some of our decisions and ultimately missed out on a podium. George meanwhile was compromised in qualifying but drove a strong race from P18 to take P6.

We also encountered cooling limitations across both cars; we likely had the second-fastest car, but we must execute better if we are to deliver our full potential. Nevertheless, we scored good points with both drivers, and consolidated our P2 championship position.

We will be aiming to turn those learnings into actions for this weekend. Spa-Francorchamps is a classic venue and a true challenge for both the cars and drivers, especially in the Sprint format with such limited practice time on a long and challenging lap.

We will be bringing updates this weekend as part of our ongoing development programme. We hope this will be another small step forward in improving the W14. As we have seen at many races this year though, it is hard to predict where we will be relative to our competitors. Wherever the true pace of our car is here, we want to maximise the outcome in this final race before the summer shutdown.

Fact File: Belgian Grand Prix

• Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit we visit, measuring 7.004km.
• Given the length of the track, it is perhaps no surprise that the Grand Prix has the lowest number of race laps at just 44.
• That is six less than the next lowest which are Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas which feature 50 laps.
• Despite several long, flat-out sections, Spa is middle of the pack when it comes to fuel consumption. Constant stop/start is what uses the most fuel, so tracks such as Hungary where we raced last week are higher on fuel consumption.
• Tyre duty and wear are some of the greatest of the season at Spa, with high averages across all four corners of the car.
• The long lap distance brings with it a few unique challenges. For example, if a car gets damaged early in the lap, more time is lost getting back, and the weather is very changeable so conditions can vary massively from corner to corner.
• It also means that the lap takes longer to complete, therefore you can’t fit as many laps into practice and qualifying run plans to test different setup configurations. That will be of particular interest this weekend with the Sprint format and parc fermé conditions after FP1.
• The distance from pole position to the braking zone to the first corner at La Source is just over 150 metres so there is limited opportunity to gain positions immediately off the line.
• However, from the exit of La Source to the braking zone for Les Combes, the drivers have their foot firmly on the throttle for over 20 seconds (and 1,875 metres) of track layout.
• Because of this flat-out section, the exit of La Source is incredibly important, as it leads down the long straight to Eau Rouge and Raidillon.
• There’s a difference of around 100 metres between the highest (Les Combes, Turn 7) and the lowest point (Stavelot, Turn 15) on the track, the highest elevation change of the season.
• The first and third sectors at Spa feature long straights and flat-out sections, but the second sector is twisty. This makes it challenging to find the right balance and set-up compromise, particularly with the wing level. A bigger wing will gain time in the middle sector but leave you vulnerable on the straights, while a smaller wing will provide less drag for the flat-out sections but not providing the same level of grip in the twisty corners. This is a similar predicament to Baku.

Insight: Preparing for the Shutdown

The summer shutdown, introduced several years ago, is a mandated two-week break that all teams must observe. No F1 activities may take place and is incredibly important in enabling team members time to recharge ahead of the second half of the season. “In my opinion, it’s one of the best rules that has been brought into Formula One,” says Rob Thomas, Chief Operation Officer.

"It’s not easy to suddenly switch off and then suddenly go again. It’s quite unique to have to do this mid-season,” Ron Meadows, Sporting Director, comments. What does it take then for an F1 team to efficiently come to a halt, and then restart rapidly and get back racing? We spoke with Rob, Ron, and Chief Technical Officer Mike Elliott, to find out more.

Watch the full video here. The full video, including broadcast versions, along with transcript, can be downloaded here.

Three world records and nine class records for the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 (W 201) -- 1983 at the Nardo Track

 

World record drive on the high-speed track in Nardò/Italy with the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 (W 201), 13 to 21 August 1983. The vehicle covered 50,000 kilometres and set a total of three world records and nine class records. In the photo, a service stop. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: 83F167)

Nardò: Three world records and nine class records for the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 (W 201)

• Full-load drive over 50,000 kilometres in just under eight and a half days
• Impressive proof of reliability for the sports version of the “Baby Benz”
• Daytime temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius, and more than 50 degrees inside the vehicles

The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 was a star of 1983, setting several world records at the same time on the high-speed track in Nardò, southern Italy, from 13 to 21 August. In 201 hours, 39 minutes and 43 seconds, it covered a distance of 50,000 kilometres. The average speed was 247.9 km/h. In addition to this achievement, two other world records over 25,000 kilometres and nine class records were set. The record-breaking runs on the 12.6-kilometre circular test track took place in outside temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius during the day and more than 50 degrees Celsius inside the vehicles. They provided impressive proof of reliability over an extreme long distance for the cars – and especially for the then new four-valve engine. In all, three identical vehicles of the sporty version of the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W 201) were used in Nardò, which were then presented to the public for the first time four weeks later at the 1983 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main. The standard 2.3-litre four-cylinder engines with 136 kW (185 hp) ran like proverbial clockwork during the almost eight and a half days of full-load driving.

The world’s first automobile with a four-cylinder engine: Daimler “Phoenix”

Daimler “Phoenix” four-cylinder engine. Wilhelm Maybach designed a whole family of engines with four cylinders and up to 16.9 kW (23 hp). The “Phoenix” 8 hp was the world’s first vehicle with a four-cylinder engine. On 12 September 1898, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) delivered the very first model to Emil Jellinek. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: 1989M1331)

Shelf number:

The world’s first automobile with a four-cylinder engine: Daimler “Phoenix”

• The first vehicle was delivered by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) to Emil Jellinek
• The tubular radiator was a crucial innovation in the drive for higher engine performance
• Wilhelm Maybach designed a whole family of four-cylinder engines

Flashback to the early days of the automobile: the world’s first vehicle with a four-cylinder engine was the Daimler “Phoenix”. On 12 September 1898, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) delivered the very first model to businessman Emil Jellinek, who lived in Nice. He not only sold cars, a new technological product at the time, in the highest social circles, but also from time to time provided DMG with feedback that led to improvements and thus to eminently sellable new vehicles. He called for more power – so the “Phoenix” engine designed by Wilhelm Maybach developed 5.9 kW (8 hp) at 720 rpm from 2.1 litres of displacement. Between 1898 and 1899, a whole family of four-cylinder engines with up to 16.9 kW (23 hp) was created. They each featured two pairs of cast cylinders on a crankcase. In 1897, DMG had introduced the “Phoenix” motor carriages with two-cylinder engines, which were installed at the front for the first time. Compared to the motor carriages with belt drive, this was the first decisive step towards the modern automobile. A key factor in the significantly increased engine power was the tubular radiator developed by Maybach, which was registered as a German utility model in December 1897 and was used for the first time in the “Phoenix”. It consisted of many small tubes, around which the cooling water flowed and through which the air flowed. This innovative design paved the way to the high-performance automobile and represents a significant milestone in automotive development.

2023 Hungarian Grand Prix Preview

Formula One - Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, 2023 British GP. Lewis Hamilton

A Mercedes-Benz Press Release, 7/18/23

 We head to Hungary looking forward to tackling the double-header before the summer shutdown. It has been an up-and-down first half of the year, but we can take several positives.

At Silverstone, we outscored our closest competitors. We executed well on race day. We were able to race to the podium and extend our P2 advantage in the championship. However, the order is fluctuating almost every weekend. We need to keep adding performance if we are to close the gap to the front and fight for victories.

Several teams have made big gains recently. This has brought some into the fight with us, especially McLaren. It has been impressive and gives us encouragement that we can also continue to find gains. We relish that challenge and will bring our own steps in due course.

The Hungaroring is a circuit that is quite different in nature to Silverstone. It will be interesting to explore how our latest upgrades perform in the long-radius, slow-speed corners. We have good memories from Hungary last year, with George’s first pole position in F1 and a double podium for the Team. This race also marks a decade since Lewis’ first win with us, so it’s a circuit full of good memories.

Hopefully we can have another strong showing this time out. We want to build on the positive momentum from Silverstone and take the fight to our rivals.

Fact File: Hungarian Grand Prix

• This weekend sees the first ‘Alternative Tyre Allocation’ weekend trial, which you can read more about here.
• The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend tends to be one of the hottest of the year, with an average air temperature of 25°C and a maximum of 33°C.
• Correspondingly, track temperatures tend to also be high with an average of 36°C rising to a maximum of just over 50°C.
• The amount of braking activity, with six events across the lap, coupled with the high ambient temperatures and the absence of long straights make the circuit exceptionally taxing on the brakes.
• The low average speed at the Hungaroring also limits airflow, which makes it even more of a challenge to cool the brakes.
• The circuit features 14 corners, six to the left and eight to the right. Many of these follow one after another in quick succession, meaning a well-balanced car that can handle directional changes is important for lap time.
• The Hungaroring has one of the lowest top speeds of the season at just over 310 km/h. That is perhaps no surprise given the cars spend just over 10 seconds on a straight over the course of a fast lap, with the remaining time spent cornering.
• Those track characteristics are also reflected in the full throttle percentage, which is just 60% and one of the lowest figures we see across the year.
• Despite a relatively short start/finish straight, the distance from pole position to the braking zone for Turn 1 measures 444 metres, on the longer side compared to other venues we visit.
• Given the prevalence of slower corners, good traction is important here. That is why this circuit puts the rear tyres under a lot of stress.
• Last year saw George take his maiden F1 pole position, his lap time of 1:17.377 putting him on pole position for the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix. The Team followed that up with a double podium in the race with Lewis taking second, with George third.
• Lewis is the most successful driver in Hungarian Grand Prix history with a tally of eight victories. Next on the list is Michael Schumacher with four wins to his name.

Stat Sheet: Hungarian Grand Prix

2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
Session	Local Time (CEST)	Brackley (BST)	Stuttgart (CEST)
Practice One - Friday	13:30 – 14:30	12:30 – 13:30	13:30 - 14:30
Practice Two - Friday	17:00 – 18:00	16:00 – 17:00	17:00 – 18:00
Practice Three – Saturday	12:30 – 13:30	11:30 – 12:30	12:30 - 13:30
Qualifying - Saturday	16:00 – 17:00	15:00 – 16:00	16:00 - 17:00
Grand Prix - Sunday	15:00	14:00	15:00

 

Race Records - Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team at the Hungarian Grand Prix
	Starts	Wins	Podiums	Pole Positions	Front row places	Fastest laps	DNF
Mercedes	13	5	12	8	14	3	4
Lewis Hamilton	16	8	11	8	10	2	1
George Russell	4	0	1	1	1	0	0
MB Power	29	13	26	14	26	12	26

 

Technical Stats - Season to Date (Pre-season Testing to Present)
	Laps Completed	Distance Covered (km)	Corners Taken	Gear Changes	PETRONAS Fuel Injections
Mercedes	3,299	16,703.366	55,672	171,842	131,960,000
Lewis Hamilton	1,699	8,605.581	28,580	88,796	67,960,000
George Russell	1,600	8,097.785	27,092	83,046	64,000,000
MB Power	12,896	65,124.674	216,590	670,690	515,840,000

 

Mercedes-Benz in Formula One
	Starts	Wins	Podium Places	Pole Positions	Front Row Places	Fastest Laps	1-2 Finishes	Front-Row Lockouts
Mercedes (all-time)	281	125	286	136	256	102	59	81
Mercedes (since 2010)	269	116	268	128	234	91	54	79
Lewis Hamilton	320	103	195	103	174	62	N/A	N/A
George Russell	94	1	10	1	7	6	N/A	N/A
MB Power	551	213	573	221	446

Silverstone F1 Qualifying, July 8, 2023

• George Russell qualified P6 and Lewis Hamilton P7 for the 2023 British Grand Prix.
• Hard work focused on single-lap performance overnight seemed to yield gains, with Lewis P5 and George P9 in FP3.
• Damp and drizzly conditions continued into qualifying, with difficult tyre choices and strategy calls to be made throughout.
• Both drivers progressed from Q1, with the entire field making large improvements in the final stages. In Q2, both Lewis and George’s first runs on the new Soft tyre were good enough to ensure they made it through to Q3.
• After an initial run on the used Soft tyre, both drivers took the new Soft for their final laps. George ended P6, just 0.063s shy of the second row, with Lewis half-a-tenth further back in P7.

George Russell

It was an exciting session; I really enjoy these conditions. I’m always confident that I can do a good job and put the laps in when needed. It was stressful at times, but I felt comfortable with our pace in Q1 and Q2. My last lap in Q3 was strong, but it was frustrating to see how close we were to being a couple of positions further forward. I was a little bit disappointed not to achieve this but we’re in a decent place for tomorrow. The Team did a good job of improving the car overnight and I’m excited to see what we can do in the Grand Prix. We believe we have stronger race pace than on the single lap, so I’m confident that we can move forward.

Once again, the energy from the fans today has been amazing. You really feel the support from the stands and it’s incredible to see how they are backing the Team and us as drivers. It’s a special weekend and we can hopefully do a good job tomorrow and challenge for the podium.

Lewis Hamilton

We weren’t quite quick enough today unfortunately. The conditions were tricky out there but there was still an element of fun to it, as we tried to get on top of the tyres. There were some moments where it looked like we had the potential to challenge further forward, but then we fell back a little. We seem to struggle on the single lap more than we do on the race pace, so we will see what we can do tomorrow. If we can progress forward, then that would be amazing. Hopefully we can put some pressure on the cars ahead and get into a battle with them.

Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO

It was an interesting session today, with the gap between P2 and P7 only a few tenths. We were more competitive than we thought we might be in terms of lap time, and the gap to the front-row is small. That is not an excuse though and P6 and P7 are the positions we are in. The question for us now is how much pace differential you need in order to overtake. There are several cars ahead of us but we’re hopeful we can make some good progress.

Whilst it’s frustrating in one sense, it's also encouraging to see the lap time gains that others have found, including McLaren recently. It’s a good example of how you can add performance during the season. We’ve been able to do so ourselves and we’re focused on continuing to do that. This will help us compete on both Saturday and Sunday, and ultimately close the gap to the front. 

Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director

Qualifying wasn’t an easy session; there were a few bands of rain coming through that kept us on our toes. In those conditions, it’s easy to get a car knocked out along the way but we have both well in the top 10. It’s frustrating to be on the wrong side of a tight bunch today, but the gap to pole is a big improvement on Friday.

Our long run pace looked good yesterday, so we’re hoping to be able to push forward. We also haven’t made any changes to the car that should hurt that race pace. We’d prefer to be starting further up as it would certainly help our chances of getting on the podium, but there are still opportunities on strategy that will allow us to offset. Whether McLaren have the race pace to match their qualifying speed will influence the strategy significantly. It’s going to be an interesting Grand Prix as there could be plenty of cars in the battle for the podium.