Mercedes: What to expect from the new W13 and how it could influence Hamilton’s decision

The complete overhaul of F1 cars in 2022, based on one of the biggest rule changes in decades, put all teams on the exact same starting point for the white start to the championship, which kicks off in Bahrain on March 20th.

The balance of power and competitiveness of each car will remain a mystery to everyone, at least until winter development testing begins on February 23 at the Barcelona circuit. And it’s no different for the Champion Mercedes.

The Brackley team has perhaps a tougher task than the many teams – Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, Aston Martin – aiming for promotion to the championship this year: to maintain the task at that level.

Speaking of the W13 car, which Mercedes will officially unveil on February 18, the team’s Technical Director Mike Eliot drew the only comparison he could – to last year’s Mercedes W12.

“The overall performance of the new car is unlikely to differ much from the old one. Obviously the purpose of these regulations was to try to improve overtaking opportunities and it will take time to see if that happens.”emphasized Eliot.

“Cars are a little heavier, the drive with the new biofuel E10 will behave a little differently, and the aerodynamic function and autotuning will also change.”added the Brit.

He claimed “until we get the best out of our new car, until we develop it in testing and in the first few races, we won’t know [πόσο ανταγωνιστικό είναι]. “But in general I think the performance will be relatively similar to last year.”

Mercedes will have the duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in the Cockpit of the Year as the Brit replaced Valteri Botas after 5 years – if Hamilton of course decides to continue the sport following the rumors circulating after last year’s Abu Dhabi that he could give in to his frustration at losing his eighth title.

Mika Hκινkkinen, a two-time champion with McLaren’s Mercedes engine in the back in 1998-’99, expressed the view that the performance of the new Mercedes W13, and more specifically its competitiveness, would be key in the Brit’s decision will .

Lewis’ trip to formula 1 was very big and there are many factors that will go into his decision on whether to continue. Lewis is confident. He won, climbed to the top step of the podium and everyone looked at him in admiration. “He thinks this should continue, so this year will be very interesting for him.” said the Finn.

This year’s Mercedes, Hakinen continues, “It’s going to be a completely different machine and there’s a chance the designers didn’t achieve the optimal design. If that happens to Lewis, it’s going to be very difficult for him to accept. When you’re at the top of a mountain and have to climb again because you suddenly don’t have the best car, it can be difficult to control your emotions. Lewis is surrounded by many questions. We don’t know if he will return, but let’s hope he does.”.

Photo credit: Associated Press