Simone Resta explains why Mercedes rejected Macarena wing design
Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta revealed the team rejected the Macarena wing concept due to a downforce compromise. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with a 102 point advantage over George Russell heading into the United States Grand Prix.
Simone Resta details rejected design
Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta said the team evaluated the Macarena wing concept more than a year ago on their drawing board but decided against it. This rotating wing, which turns its main flap in straight-line mode, provides drag reduction but reduces downforce during every session where the system is open. Ferrari first used the design, Red Bull brought a version to Miami, and McLaren intends to race a version in the future, leaving Mercedes as the only top four team without the design. Resta told the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show that the team did not believe the "overall compromise" justified development or manufacturing components. "It’s clearly offering a benefit in drag reduction, but it’s also coming with a reduction of downforce in every session you operate the Open SM," Resta said. He explained the team is checking every solution to keep the "iterative process" going. The team might revisit the position because the conclusion is not necessarily permanent.
Mercedes leads championship ahead of US Grand Prix
Mercedes leads the constructors’ championship with 578 points, which is 134 points clear of Ferrari. Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, holds a 102 point lead over George Russell as the team heads to the United States Grand Prix. Antonelli finished third in Singapore behind Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc while using a new upgrade package. The driver said he feels the performance in certain corners, but the operating window of the car is currently too small. He noted the vehicle is very sensitive to how a driver approaches a corner or attacks braking. "With this new package, we see the potential, the performance that it can bring, and I do feel it in certain corners," Antonelli said. Although he is not yet completely comfortable with the car, he believes it will improve once the team finds the right setup. Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed both cars will receive the new components in America after the team split the upgrades between drivers in Singapore. In that race, Antonelli used the new upgrade while Russell tested the older version. The team is prioritizing the new components for the upcoming race in Austin.
