The F1 W09 EQ Power+ was developed under the direction of James Allison, Aldo Costa, Mark Ellis, John Owen, Loïc Serra, Mike Elliott, Jarrod Murphy and Eric Blandin as a continuation of its predecessor, the W08 EQ Power+. The design philosophy focused on increasing the visibility of Mercedes’ electric road car models, while retaining the “F1 W09” chassis numbering to signify the ninth Formula One car constructed by Mercedes since 2010. The car maintained an identical wheelbase of 3,726 mm (146.7 in) to the W08, but featured an increased rake angle, moving from 0.9 degrees to 1.2 degrees, though still shallower than those of Ferrari and Red Bull. The W09 was considered highly competitive with the Ferrari SF71H throughout the 2018 season.
Significant aerodynamic developments were implemented throughout the season. An early innovation involved a long titanium extension from the rear wheel hub, connecting to the upper wishbone, increasing its height and improving airflow to the rear tyres and diffuser. At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Mercedes trialled a spoon-shaped central section on the rear wing, featuring vortex-generating serrations to reduce drag and maintain downforce. To address tyre temperature issues, a revised front suspension and steering assembly was introduced, incorporating conventional rockers, torsion bars, and an offset extra rocker, improving set-up flexibility and reducing aerodynamic disruption. Further changes at the Austrian Grand Prix included slimmer radiator inlets and a redesigned barge-board to accelerate airflow along the car’s sides and underfloor, enhancing downforce. New rear wing end-plates were also developed to improve balance and grip. A concave rear brake drum, combined with a unique rear wheel rim design introduced at the Belgian Grand Prix, was implemented at the Singapore Grand Prix to reduce rear tyre temperatures and maintain optimal performance.
The Mercedes AMG F1 W09 EQ Power+ was powered by the Mercedes-AMG M09 EQ Power+ engine. Mercedes undertook a complete redesign of their power unit for the 2018 championship to ensure continuous development until the next generation of engines in 2021. The engine featured a performance-boosting “party mode” utilized during qualifying sessions. Three engine specifications were used throughout the season, with the second (Phase 2.1) introduced at the French Grand Prix and the third at the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite these developments, Mercedes found themselves down on straight-line power compared to the Ferrari 062 EVO power unit for much of the season.
The W09 made its competitive début at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton securing pole position. However, Sebastian Vettel won the race, with Hamilton finishing third. The Bahrain Grand Prix saw Hamilton take a podium finish after starting ninth due to a gearbox penalty, while Bottas finished second. The Chinese Grand Prix saw Daniel Ricciardo win, with Bottas taking victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, followed by Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton then secured victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, with Bottas finishing second, marking the team’s first 1-2 finish of the season.
Hamilton continued his success with wins in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Bottas secured wins in Russia and Japan. Throughout the season, the car demonstrated strong performance, with Hamilton clinching his fifth World Drivers' Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix, with two races to spare. The team secured their fifth consecutive World Constructors' Championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with one race remaining.
[unverified] The pit-stop incident in Bahrain prompted the FIA to investigate wheel-guns and pit-stop procedures after several unsafe releases. The FIA also investigated Ferrari's ERS system after suspicions arose during the latter half of the season, ultimately approving its usage.
[unverified] The aerodynamic innovations introduced on the W09, particularly the rear wheel hub extension and the concave rear brake drum, influenced subsequent designs aimed at optimizing airflow and tyre temperature management.
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