Mercedes‘ Simone Resta Reveals Details Behind New Front Wing Development Ahead of Imola
As the 2025 Formula 1 season transitions into its crucial European phase, all eyes have turned to the upgrades teams are rolling out—none more closely watched than those from Mercedes. The Brackley-based outfit has unveiled a new front wing this weekend at the Imola Grand Prix, but this is no ordinary aerodynamic tweak. According to Performance Director Simone Resta, this new component is already aligned with upcoming regulation changes set to come into effect at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Resta, who joined Mercedes last October, addressed the media ahead of the race weekend to explain how the team has taken a proactive approach in adapting to the evolving technical landscape. The development of the front wing, he confirmed, was undertaken with a clear focus on complying with, and ideally capitalizing on, the regulatory amendments due in Barcelona.
“Yes, of course, we’re thinking about that. When we designed the new wing, we also had the upcoming rule changes in mind.”
“We’re trying to be ready for the new regulations. This component was designed with the Spanish GP weekend as a primary reference point,” Resta stated.
Immediate Dual Implementation Across Both Cars
Rather than testing the new part on a single car, Mercedes opted for full implementation on both machines from the get-go at Imola. Resta explained that this decision was rooted in confidence in their simulations and the correlation between wind tunnel data and on-track results.
“We’ll start the weekend with the new package on both cars and evaluate its performance throughout the sessions,” he added.
This bold move reflects Mercedes’ increasing belief in their internal development tools and data verification methods—areas that have plagued them in recent years.
Fixing the Past: Improved Data Correlation and Qualifying Pace
“When I joined the team in October, I didn’t live through all the historical challenges,” Resta said when questioned about previous issues with data misalignment. “But I can say that this year, we’ve clearly taken a step forward in performance. Particularly in qualifying, we’ve made substantial gains.”
Mercedes have often struggled with transforming wind tunnel and CFD simulation data into real-world performance. But this season, Resta claims the team has made strides in synchronizing virtual models with actual track behavior.
“So far, every step we’ve taken has matched the expectations we had in simulation,” he confirmed.
Track Specificity and Inconsistencies
That said, Mercedes’ form has been inconsistent. Resta acknowledged that the team’s performance still varies significantly depending on the circuit. He pointed to strong showings in Bahrain, Japan, and China, contrasted with relative struggles in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) and Miami.
“Some tracks expose us a little more,” Resta admitted. “Factors like track temperature, asphalt texture, and tyre compounds play a big role.”
“In Bahrain, Suzuka, and Shanghai, we looked really strong. But in Jeddah and Miami, we had more difficulties.”
Tyre Management Still a Sticking Point
While overall car pace has improved from 2024, tyre management continues to be a limiting factor for Mercedes. Resta noted that despite better qualifying speed, the car’s long-run performance still lags behind top rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari.
“There’s a general improvement in race pace compared to last year,” he said. “But I wouldn’t say we’ve made a big leap in tyre management. That’s still an area we need to improve.”
Upcoming Barcelona Rule Changes: What to Expect
With the sport’s technical framework continuing to evolve, the next shift comes at the Spanish Grand Prix, where a fresh set of aerodynamic regulations will be introduced. These changes, while not revolutionary, are designed to further reduce the turbulent wake generated by the cars and increase opportunities for closer racing.
Resta downplayed the potential impact of these rule changes on the championship balance but acknowledged they could affect certain teams more than others depending on their aerodynamic concept.
“Every car has its own set of limitations. These changes might stretch some teams more than others, but I don’t expect a dramatic shift,” he said.
New Front Wing: Optimized for the Future
When asked if the new front wing might have any negative impact on car performance, Resta offered a clear and confident answer:
“The reason we brought this part here is because we believe it’s better than what we had before. Now we just need to prove it on the track.”
The front wing design appears more streamlined, focusing on better airflow management and load distribution, especially under braking and in mid-speed corners—an area where the W15 has shown vulnerability.
The integration of the new wing into both cars immediately shows Mercedes’ commitment to getting ahead of the curve, both figuratively and literally. The development is not just a reaction to the present but a preemptive strike aimed at thriving under upcoming conditions.
Final Thoughts: A Calculated Step Forward
The new front wing might seem like a small update on the surface, but its implications run deep. It reflects a philosophical and operational shift at Mercedes—one where the team is not just reacting to rivals but preparing with foresight and precision. The decision to develop and debut this component ahead of regulatory changes is emblematic of a team that wants to regain its footing at the top by embracing adaptability and innovation.
Whether the performance gains from this new wing will be enough to help Mercedes consistently challenge Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that under Simone Resta’s watch, Mercedes is laying stronger technical foundations for the battles ahead.
And if the team’s correlation gains hold true on the racetrack, we might just see the Silver Arrows slicing through the field with a little more confidence and consistency in the second half of the season.
