Mercedes has made a surprising decision to revert the suspension on their W16 car to an earlier setup in an effort to restore Kimi Antonelli’s confidence ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. This move comes after a difficult season in Europe where Antonelli has yet to score any points on his home continent, leaving both the team and driver searching for solutions.
Background on Performance Challenges and Suspension Adjustment
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, revealed that the team will switch back to the pre-Imola suspension specification after inconsistent results following recent changes. Despite their unexpected win at the Canadian Grand Prix, the overall European campaign has been disappointing for both Antonelli and his teammate George Russell, who has also struggled to maintain his initial strong form.
Shovlin acknowledged that unexpected weather conditions slowed their recognition of the issues caused by the new suspension, which influenced their decision to return to the previous configuration. The change aims to provide a more familiar and stable setup for the drivers, helping them regain confidence and competitiveness on circuits like the Hungaroring.
Implications for Mercedes and the Upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix
As Mercedes prepares for what many view as a critical race, the team hopes that reverting to a known suspension system will rebuild trust in the car’s handling and performance. Antonelli’s mental state has been a concern given his inability to deliver points, and this technical adjustment is seen as a key factor in reversing the recent downturn.
The Hungarian Grand Prix represents a pivotal moment for Mercedes to prove they can overcome their current struggles, with both Antonelli and Russell eager to return to form. The success of this suspension change could influence Mercedes’ approach for the rest of the season as they seek to reestablish themselves within Formula 1’s competitive landscape.
