Mercedes Power Unit Hardware & Software

[Just_a_fan]

Don't forget, what we are considering a spec 1 engine is the spec1 optimised for 6 races. A spec 1 that only has to last 3 races, and possibly some FP sessions, may be a different prospect all together. Longer 'party mode', use all the rev range etc.

Yes, but that means taking a penalty to up-spec later. In a season this close, a penalty is all it takes to lose the title.

[Big Tea]

Don't forget, what we are considering a spec 1 engine is the spec1 optimised for 6 races. A spec 1 that only has to last 3 races, and possibly some FP sessions, may be a different prospect all together. Longer 'party mode', use all the rev range etc.

Yes, but that means taking a penalty to up-spec later. In a season this close, a penalty is all it takes to lose the title.

Its the 'bird in hand' trade off. you do not take it now, it may not be there for future. Who knows what Ferrari have in the pipeline. Their next upgrade could match or exceed Mercedes next upgrade and the handful of points they could have had up to silverstone may be the difference between winning and second.

[Phil]

Rumors from one of the Italian media that PU2 will not be ready.

I will be taking that as complete lies. But if true, it will be interesting to see if they run PU1 for 8 races, or add another fresh spec 1.

Could you post the source of this claim? i cant find it anywhere

edit: https://www.motorsportitalia.net/merced ... castellet/
go the link, this is just rumors....there is no quote or source from them


also AMus are claiming Mercedes will be bring the upgrade to France
https://translate.google.com/translate? ... 2018-f1%2F

There's actually nothing in that 'translated article' that suggests the engine they brought to France is actually upgraded in anyway nor does it state how recent this information is. They could simply be re-iterating what they already posted from Canada and going by what was the plan then. If Mercedes does have some issue they couldn't solve yet (and build enough engines), they could be forced to supply teams with another spec1 engine.

[djones]

Apparently spec 2 will be used and there is additionally a new Petronas fuel.

[MtthsMlw]

Mercedes may delay new engine again (skysports)

In short they'll definitely use a new PU this weekend but they aren't sure yet if they should put in spec 2 or another spec 1. Decision after Friday Practise.

"We need to take some kind of new engine," confirmed Bottas. "The current engine is seven races old. We very much want to run the new engine. We need to confirm tomorrow whether we can or not."

[PlatinumZealot]

Don't forget, what we are considering a spec 1 engine is the spec1 optimised for 6 races. A spec 1 that only has to last 3 races, and possibly some FP sessions, may be a different prospect all together. Longer 'party mode', use all the rev range etc.

Yes, but that means taking a penalty to up-spec later. In a season this close, a penalty is all it takes to lose the title.

Shouldn't be any penalties if they don't use than three engines per season. Reason why Gasly got penalised is because he changed engines between qualifying and race. Otherwise he would not have been penalized even if he used not a further engine that weekend.

[Phil]

I think what he means is that, if they take another spec1 engine, they are either forfeiting using 3 specs per year, or they will but at the expense of a grid penalty.

[zibby43]

I think what he means is that, if they take another spec1 engine, they are either forfeiting using 3 specs per year, or they will but at the expense of a grid penalty.

Yep. But, if they were forced to do so, it would be a good year to do it with only 2 opportunities to introduce upgrades/updates.

Because the opportunities are so limited, I doubt we'll see huge performance improvements on the engine upgrade front this season.

[Big Tea]

Lets face it. In reality somewhere like Italy, Merc could start from the pit lane and be in 10th after 2 laps.
Considering the advantage of just a fresh engine and kit, not even upgraded, it has to be worth taking the hit even if they just have a poor qually for some reason.

Until Mercedes, Ferrari, or Red Bull cars come up to one of the same 3 they are going to sail past on several tracks, so why not include this as contingency plans from the beginning. Which they have probably at least considered, they are cleverer than I am, and have more information on it

[djones]

Highest top speeds so far in FP1. Maybe an indication they are on the new spec.

[Holm86]

[LM10]

AMuS reporting that they are on new specs.

[Just_a_fan]

Judging by Hamilton's qually sim runs, the engine is performing well so far. The car certainly is - 6/10ths up on RedBull in Sector 3 so far.

[Phil]

So has it been confirmed it's actually the spec2 engine? The ORF broadcast of FP2 reported that it's not clear yet and that the team will shed some light after FP2 in revealing what exactly is in the back of those cars.

[djones]

More reports, including some rumblings from Lauda suggest they are using spec 2.

More reports are saying yes than no I mean.