Mercedes Chief Optimistic About Performance At Saudi Arabian GP - "Much Better Pace"
Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff has identified a slight difference in track demands at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which he hopes will work in favour of his team in the upcoming Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This news comes after Mercedes faced a disappointing finish in Bahrain, where they finished over 50 seconds behind the race winner Max Verstappen.
The Brackley-based squad has acknowledged that they got their W14 concept wrong in Bahrain, and as a result, they are looking to improve their performance with an upgrade package due for Imola. However, Wolff has pointed out that the Jeddah Corniche Circuit's demands could help the team perform better, given the track's different characteristics from Bahrain's Sakhir circuit.
Bahrain's track surface is extremely abrasive and has not been resurfaced since its construction ahead of the inaugural 2004 race. This makes the circuit very hard on tyres, and the heavy braking and acceleration zones make it a 'rear-limited' circuit. As a result, the track is slightly harder on the rear tyres, leading to increased tyre wear and degradation. Other circuits with similar characteristics include Montreal, Monaco, and the Hungaroring.
On the other hand, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a smooth, fast-flowing track with two heavy braking and traction zones at the first and last corners. Because of its fast, sweeping corners, it is known as a 'front-limited' circuit, meaning that the front tyres take most of the punishment. Historically, Mercedes has preferred front-limited circuits, with tracks like Spa, Suzuka, and Silverstone tending to be classed as such.
Although Wolff is not expecting miracles in Saudi Arabia, he remains hopeful that his team's performance will improve on a front-limited circuit. In a statement to the media, he said:
"The last time that I dreamt about miracles was a long time ago.
"That track [Sakhir] is very rear-limited, it has a very abrasive asphalt, and that is probably the weakest point in our car.
"If you look at it from that perspective, maybe it gets better [in Saudi].
"I certainly think when it comes down to front-limited track, we will [have] much better pace."