F1 W11 EQ Performance

The product of evolution

At the start of the 2020 Formula One season, it was believed that the Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance would be one of the fastest race cars ever built. In the 17-race season, the car tallied up 15 pole positions, 9 fastest laps, 25 podiums, 13 race wins, 573 points, and 2 World Championship titles.

With regulations staying largely unchanged between seasons, the W11 was an evolution of the Team’s 2019 contender - the car that won Mercedes its historic sixth consecutive double championship. Upon its creation, the team looked at a myriad of areas to improve the car, changing the vast majority of over 10,000 parts to extract maximum performance.

In addition to the detail changes and smaller improvements, the team introduced three larger changes - one at the front, one at the middle and one at the back of the car.

In the front, we saw a more complex structure around the uprights and wheel rims to provide overall higher performance. In the middle, we lowered our upper side impact tube to maximise aerodynamic gains. Finally, at the back of the car the Team developed an alternative suspension layout, making room for further aerodynamic development throughout the season.

Overcoming challenges

At the commencement of the 2020 season, one of the greatest challenges was the looming regulation changes coming in 2021. Although they have been delayed until 2022, the changes are the biggest in Formula One’s technical regulations ever, requiring virtually every part of the car to be redesigned and developed from scratch, making them a key consideration in the Team’s approach to the season.

„It’s a massive challenge,“ Toto said. „We had a lot of regulatory changes in recent years, but this time we’re effectively tackling a two-year project. Trying to get this right will make 2020 the most difficult season, but it is also an amazing opportunity. This team has shown time and again that it loves being challenged and we will face this one with the same passion and determination that has made Mercedes so strong in recent years.“

However, the delay didn’t leave the 2020 season without its challenges. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nature of the season was unprecedented. We raced at tracks we’d never visited before, but most importantly navigated the season whilst keeping our Team as safe as possible.

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team secured the 2020 constructors’ title at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with a 1-2 finish, concluding the season with a record-breaking seven consecutive double world championships.

Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance - Technical Specification

Chassis

Monocoque:	Moulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure
Bodywork:	Carbon fibre composite including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing
Cockpit:	Removable driver's seat made of anatomically formed carbon composite, OMP six-point driver safety harness, HANS system
Safety Structures:	Cockpit survival cell incorporating impact-resistant construction and penetration panels, front impact structure, prescribed side impact structures, integrated rear impact structure, front and rear roll structures, titanium driver protection structure (halo)
Front Suspension:	Carbon fibre wishbone and pushrod-activated torsion springs and rockers
Rear Suspension:	Carbon fibre wishbone and pullrod-activated inboard springs & dampers
Wheels:	OZ forged magnesium
Tyres:	Pirelli
Brake System:	Carbone Industries Carbon / Carbon discs and pads with rear brake-by-wire
Brake Calipers:	Brembo
Steering:	Power-assisted rack and pinion
Steering Wheel:	Carbon fibre construction
Electronics:	FIA standard ECU and FIA homologated electronic and electrical system
Instrumentation:	McLaren Electronic Systems (MES)
Fuel System:	ATL Kevlar-reinforced rubber bladder
Lubricants & Fluids:	PETRONAS Tutela

Transmission

Gearbox:	Eight speed forward, one reverse unit with carbon fibre maincase
Gear Selection:	Sequential, semi-automatic, hydraulic activation
Clutch:	Carbon plate