Daniel Ricciardo
There was a time in F1 history when every car lagged a full lap behind the leader, up to third place. We are talking about the fastest car in F1 history, the Mercedes W11. Mercedes has been a dominant force since the inception of the Turbo Hybrid era. Their rivals even tried to copy their previous year’s car, only to find themselves still trailing far behind. The stage was set for the Mercedes W11 in 2020 not only due to its continued greatness but because of extraordinary progress in performance improvement. As Formula One tends to plateau towards the end of a regulatory period, Mercedes defied this trend by making significant strides, maintaining their dominance, and pushing the boundaries further. The Mercedes W11 isn’t just any F1 car; it is a record-shattering machine redefining possibilities on the track.
Before diving into the intricacies of the W11, it’s essential to reflect on its predecessor, the W10, a formidable machine in its own right. The W10 claimed both championships and 15 wins, but it had a few flaws. Overheating was a significant issue, especially evident during the Austrian Grand Prix, where the car’s full potential remained untapped due to engine inefficiencies. Moreover, the W10 struggled with tire performance, conceding 11 pole positions to Red Bull and Ferrari. These dual challenges confined the W10 to a narrow performance window. As Mercedes embarked on developing the W11, they focused on engineering solutions to these setbacks, aiming to sustain their lead at the top. The 2020 season was a testament to Mercedes’ relentless pursuit of perfection, evident from the W11’s innovations and record-breaking performance.
Suspension and Aerodynamic Innovations
Mercedes didn’t rest on its laurels when designing the W11. They took the lessons learned from the W10, particularly regarding suspension and aerodynamics, and implemented significant improvements. The front suspension saw extensive reconfiguration, enhancing the car’s aerodynamic possibilities. Side pod inlets and surrounding parts were meticulously refined to boost the front end’s aerodynamic efficiency. Technical director James Allison described the rear suspension arrangement as ‘adventurous,’ with a daring rethink of the L-Wishbone shape intended to maximize downforce. This aggressive approach contributed significantly to the W11’s speed and stability on the track.
Under the surface, in dealing with the heat issues that had plagued its predecessor, Mercedes made substantial attempts to improve engine efficiency. This allowed the W11 to maintain high performance even in challenging temperatures. By addressing these concerns, they not only reduced reliability issues but also increased the aerodynamic efficiency of the car, by enabling a more compact design. These changes, coupled with the aerodynamic adjustments, produced a vehicle that was both powerful and sleek, breaking records while ensuring durability.
The Dual-Axis Steering (DAS) System
One of the most groundbreaking innovations introduced with the W11 was the Dual-Axis Steering (DAS) system. First observed during preseason testing, the DAS system allowed drivers to adjust the toe angle of the front tires by pushing and pulling the steering wheel. This adjustment reduced tire scrub and the generation of heat, which in turn enhanced long-term tire performance. The ability to change the tow angle on the straights offered an aerodynamic advantage and contributed to managing tire heat cycles efficiently.
The DAS system exemplified Mercedes’ innovative spirit and willingness to take risks to maintain their competitive edge. The immediate benefits were clear during races, with the system offering both a performance boost and a strategic advantage. Although the concept was daring, it proved to be a game-changer for the W11, causing concern among competitors who struggled to keep up with Mercedes’ pace. This innovation underscored the meticulous planning and engineering that went into making the W11 not just fast, but the fastest car in F1 history.
Tackling Overheating Issues
One of the major flaws of the W10 was its susceptibility to overheating, particularly during races held in hotter climates. This issue was notably evident during the Austrian Grand Prix where the car’s potential was curtailed by engine inefficiencies. Learning from this, Mercedes worked extensively on the W11 to mitigate such issues. They made significant improvements in engine efficiency, especially tailored to cope with high ambient temperatures.
The results were evident when the 2020 season kicked off. The W11 showed minimal issues with overheating, allowing the team to focus purely on performance rather than on temporary fixes during races. These improvements not only enhanced reliability but also opened up new aerodynamic possibilities, due to less need for additional cooling mechanisms. This strategic focus on resolving internal engine problems was key to unlocking the W11’s full potential, establishing it as a robust contender under varying race conditions.
Performance in the 2020 Season
The 2020 season was challenging for all teams due to the global pandemic, which led to a delayed start and a condensed race calendar. However, Mercedes turned these challenges into opportunities, using the time to refine the W11 even further. By the time the season commenced in Austria, Mercedes had ironed out most of the reliability issues, enabling the W11 to perform at its best.
Mercedes’ dominance was occasionally tested, but the W11 consistently showcased unparalleled speed and reliability. Despite encountering tire blowouts at Silverstone and strategic errors at the Italian and Sakhir Grands Prix, the car’s overall performance was unrivaled. The W11 played a pivotal role in securing Lewis Hamilton’s seventh World Championship, drawing him level with Michael Schumacher. Beyond its speed, the W11’s reliability and adaptability underlined Mercedes’ engineering prowess, making it a historic vehicle in the annals of Formula 1.
Lasting Legacy and Records
The Mercedes W11 shattered multiple track records during its time, some of which may remain unbroken for years to come. It wasn’t just the fastest car of its time, but it also set new benchmarks in many aspects of racing. The car’s performance helped solidify Lewis Hamilton’s legacy, earning him his seventh World Championship and putting him on par with the legendary Michael Schumacher.
The W11’s contributions extend beyond records and titles; it’s a technological masterpiece that exemplifies what can be achieved with meticulous planning, relentless innovation, and a willingness to push the boundaries. For those fortunate enough to witness the W11 in action, whether on TV or in person, it was a spectacle of engineering brilliance. With looming regulation changes in 2026, the era of such dominant and innovative machines might be nearing its end, making the W11’s legacy even more significant.
The Mercedes W11’s impact on F1 is undeniable, cementing itself as a technological marvel and a benchmark in racing history. The car not only exemplified speed and innovation but also showcased the relentless pursuit of perfection by Mercedes.
Addressing past issues, the W11 brought groundbreaking innovations like the DAS system and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, proving to be a game-changer in the 2020 season. Despite challenges, including the global pandemic and occasional reliability concerns, the W11 consistently demonstrated its superiority on the track.
The vehicle’s performance was pivotal in achieving Lewis Hamilton’s seventh World Championship, drawing him level with Michael Schumacher and further solidifying Mercedes’ dominance in the sport. The records set by the W11 and its unparalleled speed may remain unchallenged for years to come.
In retrospect, witnessing the W11 in action was a gift to motorsport enthusiasts, offering a glimpse of engineering excellence that may not be replicated anytime soon. With looming regulation changes, the legacy of the W11 as the fastest car in F1 history becomes all the more significant.
