Mercedes says its 2022 Formula 1 car has completed all of the FIA’s mandatory crash tests, despite claims the team had failed part of the homologation process.
Reports recently surfaced that the German manufacturer’s new challenger failed to side-on impact test, putting it behind schedule ahead of the W13’s launch next month.
All F1 teams are mandated to complete a series of tests on multiple areas of their car to assess the impact structures in the event of an accident.
The tests have been revised ahead of the introduction of this year’s all-new regulations due to the cars minimum weight being increased to 795kg to allow a stronger impact structure.
But Mercedes has stressed it passed the crash test procedures, posting an update on its social media channels revealing that the W13 had completed the process on January 13.
The Brackley-based outfit is due to launch its 2022 car on February 18, just five days before pre-season testing begins at the Circuit de-Barcelona Catalunya.
Mercedes is aiming to continue its record of winning every constructors’ world championship in the V6 hybrid era this season, but is wary the rules reset will leave it facing stiff competition.
Chief technical officer James Allison believes teams who fail to hit the ground running with the regulation changes could face a “painful year”, but was clear they also present an opportunity for everyone on the grid.
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