For beyond the headline lap times that have hinted at signs of progress in unlocking pace from its W15, the mood of its drivers is far more upbeat than at any point this season.
Indeed, Lewis Hamilton declared that there had been a “night and day” difference in how comfortable he felt in the car – something that has not been common throughout the troubled campaigns Mercedes has endured in the latest ground effect era.
As the seven-time world champion said after qualifying: “Particularly on a track like this, where you need a nice balance, this is the nicest I’ve felt over the last three years.”
What is most intriguing about the Mercedes progress is that it has not come from any specific parts changes made to the car.
The submission sheet that teams have to lodge with the FIA ahead of every weekend for any new components showed that Mercedes had brought no updates to Suzuka.
But the progress has instead come from the team being willing to experiment and adopt a totally different approach when it comes to setting up its car.
Source: Autosport