F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Mercedes' Significant Sidepod Upgrade for W14 Revealed Ahead of Spa-Francorchamps Race

Mercedes stunned everyone by unveiling a new Formula 1 improvement package on Thursday, with an emphasis on the W14's sidepods, just in time for the Belgian Grand Prix. The new sidepod inlet design was captured and uploaded to social media as the vehicle was being constructed in the paddock garage at Spa-Francorchamps. Earlier this year, Mercedes presented a significant upgrade package at the Monaco Grand Prix, and one of the main components of that update was a change in their sidepod philosophy. The redesigned sidepod has a rounder air entrance and a more intense downwash than the previous version. The pod's base now has a concave surface as well. It is predicted that this modification may increase the amount of outwash that occurs close to the border of the rear floor. Mercedes has also included a new, low-downforce rear wing onto the car, developed in tandem with the track's unique characteristics.

Also Read: F1 Belgiam Grand Prix: When and Where to Watch Spa-Francorchamps Race in India

F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Mercedes New Design Philosophy and 2023 Season Struggle 

Mercedes' sidepod concept was updated significantly as part of a larger overhaul package unveiled earlier this year at the Monaco Grand Prix. After deciding earlier in the season to abandon the zeropods in favour of a more substantial design, this season's new sidepod version has a prominent bulge below the 'T' and 'R' of the Petronas logo. This produces a more forceful downwash by boosting outwash towards the floor's rear border, thanks to the concavity of the bottom surface.

Más de los nuevos pontones de Mercedes

More from new Mercedes sidepods. #f1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/NboZuJ9ITO

— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) July 27, 2023

It goes unmentioned that McLaren, one of Mercedes's clients, has a superior package at the moment. A vehicle capable of beating the PU suppliers at high-speed tracks like Silverstone and the Monaco-like Hungaroring, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri drove it. An on-point Aston Martin squad earlier this year, with Fernando Alonso at the wheel, was at one point ahead of the Mercedes in the Constructor championship.

In Hungary, Hamilton's pole performance outshone that of the vehicle. At Hingaroring, though, Hamilton was to blame for the car's poor start and opening lap.

Also Read: F1: Stoffel Vandoorne to Drive 2023 Aston Martin AMR23 in Pirelli Tyre Test Post Belgian GP

F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Weather

On Friday, July 28, there is a forecast for a little wind and light rain during the Belgian Grand Prix. According to the assessment, there is a significant possibility that rain will interfere with both FP1 and qualifying. On Saturday, July 29, forecasters predict a return of drizzle and a gentle wind. According to the forecast, there will be a 35% probability of rainfall during the sprint. The likelihood of precipitation is lowest during the featured race. It will be fascinating to watch what type of strategy the teams use given the forecast for the remainder of the weekend, which calls for a variety of weather conditions. 

Several drivers in Formula 1 have asked the FIA to give special attention to safety concerns at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix because of the high-speed turns on the SPA circuit and the number of accidents that have occurred there recently. Due to the harsh weather conditions at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the Formula 1 drivers believed their lives were in hazard during the Belgian Grand Prix. In an accident at the same track where this year's Belgian Grand Prix will take place, young Dutch racer Dilano van't Hoff tragically lost his life.

With continuous precipitation predicted for all three days of the Belgian Grand Prix, visibility is sure to be a major issue for the drivers. Director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association and Mercedes driver George Russell has asked the FIA to take strong action in the interest of driver safety at this year's Belgian Grand Prix.