Mercedes F1 W03

Design

The F1 W03 was introduced at the first race of the season in Melbourne with what was described as a "radical wing concept". Speculation suggested that the wing used the F-duct concept (developed by McLaren in 2010) by blowing air across the surface of the wing to "stall" it, thereby cancelling out all downforce and drag running over the wing and allowing the car to achieve a higher top speed. The system developed by Mercedes was reported to create an F-duct effect over the front wing when the Drag Reduction System (DRS) flap in the rear wing opened. Opening the flap would expose two vents, which channeled air back through the car and over the front wing, cancelling out the downforce generated by the front wing with the intention of increasing stability in high-speed corners.

Controversy

On the Thursday before the Australian Grand Prix, the FIA's technical delegate Charlie Whiting declared the system to be legal. However, shortly before the final practice session on Saturday afternoon, representatives from Red Bull Racing and Lotus F1 approached the race stewards and requested that the FIA review the original verdict, claiming that the front wing system was in violation of Articles 3.15 and 3.18, which govern the use of DRS and driver-operated aerodynamic devices. On the Thursday before the Malaysian Grand Prix, the FIA rejected all claims that the system was illegal, allowing Mercedes to compete with an unaltered car. Three weeks later in China, Lotus F1 filed a formal protest against the system, citing Article 3.15 of the technical regulations — which states that "any device that influences the car's aerodynamics must remain immobile in relation to the sprung part of the car" — as the basis for their challenge. The stewards later unanimously rejected the protest. They stated that "the sole purpose of the DRS as stated in article 3.18.3, is to improve overtaking. The Mercedes design is completely consistent with this objective" and further clarified that "the protest is dismissed on the grounds that the FIA confirmed the assertion of the Mercedes team that it had, in accordance with Article 2.4 and/or 2.5 of the F1 Technical Regulations, sought clarification from the FIA Formula One Technical Department concerning this matter and the FIA confirmed that the Mercedes design had been deemed permissible", before the start of the season. Lotus later confirmed that they would not appeal against the decision.

Season summary

The F1 W03 propelled Mercedes to finish fifth in the World Constructors' Championship with 142 points, 23 points adrift from its predecessor. Regardless, it secured three podium finishes and a single victory. Schumacher achieved his last podium finish of his career at the .

Livery

At the Brazilian Grand Prix, both W03s carried a Schumacher's farewell logo, marking his retirement from the sport.

Other uses

At the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lewis Hamilton demonstrated the W03 in W05 livery.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Driver failed to finish the race, but was classified as they had completed greater than 90% of the race distance.

References

References

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7. Collantine, Keith. (16 February 2012). "Mercedes W03 spotted testing at Silverstone". Keith Collantine.
8. (19 February 2012). "@MercedesAMGF1: 19 February". Twitter Inc..
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10. Allen, Patrick. (15 April 2012). "Chinese Grand Prix 2012: Nico Rosberg Takes Perfect Victory at Superb Event". Bleacher Report.
11. Noble, Jonathan. (15 March 2012). "Mercedes F1 team's rear wing concept deemed legal by FIA". [[Haymarket Group.
12. Scarborough, Craig. (14 March 2012). "Mercedes: F-Duct Front Wing operated by the Rear Wing DRS". Craig Scarborough.
13. Noble, Jonathan. (17 March 2012). "FIA asked to re-think its view on the Mercedes DRS-activated F-duct". [[Haymarket Group.
14. Noble, Jonathan. (22 March 2012). "FIA rejects claims that Mercedes's rear wing is illegal". [[Haymarket Group.
15. Benson, Andrew. (21 January 2012). "FIA ban new technical innovation developed by Lotus and Ferrari". BBC.
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17. Elizalde, Pablo. (12 April 2012). "Lotus protest against Mercedes wing rejected by FIA". [[Haymarket Media Group.
18. Benson, Andrew [https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/17688784 "Lotus's protest against Mercedes controversial DRS system rejected"] ''BBC News''. 13 April 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-16
19. Noble, Jonathan [http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98740 "Lotus will not appeal stewards' decision on Mercedes rear wing"] ''Autosport''. 12 April 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-16
20. "All championship race entries, in a Mercedes F1 W03". ChicaneF1.