Mercedes, buoyed by their stunning one-two finish in Las Vegas with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, is meticulously preparing the W15 for the Lusail event, the penultimate GP of the 2024 calendar.
Although this is another night race like Nevada, the weather conditions are expected to differ significantly. The predicted temperatures will not be the “winter-like” conditions seen on the Strip, nor the extreme heat of last year, when many drivers struggled physically by the end of the race. The Qatar GP takes place at a different time of year, with local forecasts predicting a mild weekend. Daytime highs are expected to peak at 24°C, while nighttime lows may drop to 15°C.
It’s no surprise, then, that Brackley’s mechanics have equipped the silver arrow with an intermediate front brake basket featuring noticeable radial openings on both the top and sides, exposing the Brembo brake calipers.
The reason is simple: the aim is to transfer some of the heat generated by the braking system into the air section formed between the two baskets (the outer one, as per regulations, must remain completely sealed). The intention is to warm up the rim and, consequently, the tire. This is particularly relevant since Pirelli has selected the three hardest compounds (C1, C2, and C3) for the weekend. These tires might require additional heat to reach their ideal operating window and avoid the risk of graining.
In essence, Mercedes is betting that the weather conditions could work in their favor to replicate, at least partially, a strategy that worked brilliantly in Las Vegas. Instead of keeping the corner cool between the two baskets, they’ve opted for a warmer airflow. It paid off in the United States, and tomorrow’s sole practice session in Doha will reveal whether it can be successful again.
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