Mercedes has committed to using the new floor for the remainder of the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend in the Netherlands, after being unsure of its potential when it was introduced in Belgium.

As part of its upgrade program that helped transform the W15 into a race winner, Mercedes tried out the new floor for the first time at Spa-Francorchamps before the summer break.

However, after a difficult Friday in which the team was baffled by poor handling and lack of straight-line speed, the lower limit was lifted and the squad returned to the previous, well-understood specification.

This move was more a matter of caution, however, as the team was convinced, based on the data provided from the factory, that the new design was an improvement, even if its potential was not immediately realized.

To confirm its findings, Mercedes split the specifications of its cars in the first practice session at Zandvoort: George Russell drove with the new floor and Lewis Hamilton stayed with the old one.

However, with the team happy with the initial feeling and Hamilton handling it comfortably in FP2 while Russell finished 1st overall, the team has seen enough to be confident that the new surface is the right choice.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W15

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes circuit technical director, said Friday morning’s changeable weather conditions were not ideal for getting a clear picture of the surface’s performance, but there were enough indications to be confident it was best to stay that way.

“Today was an encouraging start to the weekend,” said Shovlin. “The conditions in FP1 were particularly difficult, with very strong winds and heavy rain, which made it difficult to properly assess the updated surface we brought with us to Spa.”

“However, what we have seen seems to be in line with our expectations. Therefore, we will continue the weekend with this equipment on both cars.”

Mercedes is preparing for a tough battle with its closest rivals McLaren and Red Bull this weekend, as the gaps between the two appear to be small.

Russell said: “It was difficult out there because of the wind. I can remember it being the windiest conditions I’ve driven an F1 car in for a couple of years. Despite that, the car worked really well and the improved underbody we brought to Spa seemed to work effectively.”

“The top field once again seems to be quite close together. We expect another exciting battle for the podium places for the rest of the weekend.”