Mercedes set for 'experiments' in Miami to confirm development path

©Mercedes

Toto Wolff says Mercedes will conduct "experiments" at the Miami GP that it hopes will put its troubled W13 on the right development path.

The Brackley squad has dug in deep to try and solve the aerodynamic issues that have impacted the performance of its 2022 car since the start of the season.

Porpoising linked to its car's ground effects and tyre warm-up problems are at the center of Mercedes' woes.

After Imola, the German outfit hinted that it would try and bring updates to Miami to improve its car's behaviour and pace.

In the team's Miami GP preview, Wolff revealed that "experiments" destined to validate the development direction of Mercedes' W13 are planned.

"Since we returned from Italy, we've learned as much from the weekend as we can and, in parallel, our learning has continued in the wind tunnel and simulations," commented the Mercedes team boss.

"We have found several directions for improving the car, and we will be conducting experiments in Miami to correlate those simulations, and hopefully confirm the development path for the coming races.

©Mercedes

"Both drivers have been working in the simulator ahead of Miami and the factories have been busy producing updates for the next races.

"The saying 'smooth seas do not make good sailors' comes to mind. This team has shown its resilience over many years and the difficult start to this season has lit a fire within every team member, determined to put it right."

Read also: Mercedes has 'tweaks' to boost engine performance

So far, Mercedes' 2022 track record only includes two podium finishes split between Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain and George Russell in Australia, but the latter has outscored the seven-time world champion by 21 points.

Hamilton endured a particularly difficult afternoon at the Emilia Romagna GP last time out, the Briton finishing a lowly P13 while Russell crossed the checkered flag fourth.

"Miami is an exciting new challenge and a complete step into the unknown," said Wolff.

"The track looks demanding, with a real mix of low and high-speed corners, and it's set to be a spectacular showcase for the sport to our growing US fanbase.

"So, we're set for a fantastic event, and we can't wait to see how it all plays out."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.