(Motorsport) Formula 1 team Mercedes have confirmed that they will bring significant additions to their W14 car at the Monaco Grand Prix next week. With the Emilia Romagna GP cancelled due to heavy flooding, there were questions marks about whether the Silver Arrows could test new upgrades in Monaco, which is a narrow street circuit or would wait for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. However, a Mercedes spokesperson has now confirmed that the W14 upgrades will be used in Monaco.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed at the Miami Grand Prix that the new upgrades will include a new bodywork, new floor and new front suspension. The Silver Arrows have only managed to get one podium finish so far in 2023 and are currently third in the Constructors Standings, 128 points behind Red Bull Racing. Mercedes had realised early in the season that they made a mistake by sticking to the design concept of the 2022 car with the ‘zero sidepod’ design.

Questions were raised as early as the Friday practice session in the first race of the season when Lewis Hamilton said that they were “on the wrong track” while team principal Toto Wolff admitted that the W14 design “didn’t work out”. Since then, it has been a case of damage limitation with changes to their senior leadership team and upgrades being implemented to improve the car’s aerodynamics and handling. 

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