Mercedes are all set to challenge for a P1 finish at the French GP scheduled to take place from 22-24 July
Mercedes have confirmed they will have “new developments” on their cars at the French Grand Prix to continue recent progress. After an alarmingly poor start to the 2022 campaign and its major regulation changes, the eight-time consecutive Constructors’ champions have been gradually eating away at their performance deficit to Red Bull and Ferrari. Images reveal that one of their significant changes at the French GP will be the W13’s new nose design.
Images taken in the pit lane on Thursday revealed one of the first elements of Mercedes’ latest upgrade, including a reshaped nose featuring extra cooling vents for the drivers. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed ahead of the French Grand Prix that the team would be bringing updates to Paul Ricard to try and further close the gap to rivals Ferrari and Red Bull.
“Our understanding of the W13 is growing with every lap and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in our development and results. While we were quicker in Austria, we still weren’t quick enough to challenge at the front. We need to keep chasing those final few tenths and bringing new developments to the cars, including this weekend in France”, said Wolff.
Mercedes are significantly behind Red Bull and Ferrari going into the French GP
In the constructors’ championship, Red Bull leads the table with 359 points, and Ferrari is significantly behind in second place with 303 points. Mercedes are further behind – they occupy third place, having earned 237 points.
In the drivers’ championship, Mercedes’ Russell and Hamilton occupy fifth and sixth places respectively. Red Bull dominates the drivers’ championship standings despite a disappointing outing for Sergio Perez in Austria. Max Verstappen leads the standings with 208 points. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has overtaken Perez and now occupies second place with 170 points. Perez lies third with 151 – ahead of Carlos Sainz, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton.
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