Mercedes have explained how the process of building their 2022 car has presented them with a perhaps unexpected opportunity. Given the new technical regulations being introduced into F1 for the upcoming campaign, the teams have had to work differently to adhere to certain aspects of the car that have been changed. This includes alterations to the aerodynamics as well as new 18-inch tyres . However, according to Hywel Thomas, the Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, one thing that hasn't changed is the squad's ability to continue to improve. "Each year, when I look at the finished installation of the PU [power unit] inside the chassis, it always astounds and amazes me [to see] exactly everything that's been fitted in and the way that it's done," Thomas said in the third part of the team's 'Road to 2022' video explainer series. "And I always look at it and think, 'There's no way we could do better than that', and then every year we do it again. And once again, I think, 'Crikey, there's no way we could have done it better than that'. "It's just a great overall continuing iteration of making things better and better."
2022 offers chance for "fundamental relook" at process
Thomas feels that the fact the team have had to approach their work slightly differently ahead of 2022 has actually provided a good opportunity for them to take a closer look at how they operate. "What we've got the opportunity [to do] with the new car, is to take a fundamental relook at things," he explained. "And in some ways, that gives us more opportunity, and it sparks the enthusiasm, and it sparks the imagination of the engineers even more to make that installation great. "With the all-new chassis regulations, that meant that [with] the opportunities and the areas of high sensitivity, we had to look all over again and see what they were, and find out exactly what compromises should be taken chassis-side and engine-side in order to make the fastest lap time. "And of course, what that means is the team from Brackley, [and] the team from Brixworth, have to be incredibly close right from the start to make sure that the direction of travel we're taking is the correct one." Mercedes are set to launch their 2022 challenger, the W13, on 18 February.
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