F1 News: Mercedes Will Fulfil Lewis Hamilton's Wishes In Next Car
With Mercedes' Technical Director James Allison back in the role, Lewis Hamilton's wish is set to be fulfilled, as he is ready to receive the 2024 W15 F1 car tailored to his specifications.
Hamilton's request for a modified cockpit position appears to have been granted, and the British driver is eager to get behind the wheel of the new car. He has expressed his enthusiasm about moving on from the W14 at the end of the previous season.
The seven-time world champion had requested that the cockpit position be moved further back in the upcoming W15. According to Motorsport.com Italia, this request has been met. This development follows James Allison's mid-season return to the role of technical director last year, while Mike Elliott took on the role of Chief Technical Officer before later leaving the team.
The W15 represents an entirely new concept and will have no ties to the disappointing W13 and W14 F1 cars. Discussing the changes, the cockpit is being shifted rearward to eliminate Lewis Hamilton's sensation of driving off the front wheels. The technicians have also decided to shorten the transmission box, previously the longest on the grid, to better suit the demands of modern ground-effect cars.
Consequently, the upcoming Mercedes title contender will see benefits from mass redistribution, resulting in a more aerodynamically streamlined rear end. However, this does not entail revolutionary changes; the suspension will continue with the pull rod scheme, rather than adopting Red Bull's push rod concepts. The shorter gearbox will reposition the engine and, subsequently, the driver compartment farther back, moving the radiator outlets away from the front wheels.
With new contracts secured for both Hamilton and George Russell, keeping them with the team until the end of 2025, Mercedes is now tasked with providing a car capable of competing for world championships.
While there is no official release date yet for Mercedes' 2024 car, the team recognizes the urgency of starting the year on a strong note, particularly as pre-season testing is just over a month away.
