The F1 W09 EQ Power+ succeeded the Mercedes AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+, continuing the approach of increasing the visibility of Mercedes’ electric road car models and highlighting the relationship between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz. The chassis continued its numbering as F1 W09, representing the ninth Formula One car constructed by Mercedes since 2010. The car maintained an identical wheelbase of 3,726 mm (146.7 in) to its predecessor, one of the longest wheelbases in the 2018 field. Development focused on increasing the rake angle from 0.9 to 1.2 degrees, though this remained shallower than those used by Ferrari and Red Bull. The design team aimed to improve aerodynamic efficiency and overall performance, making the W09 a competitive challenger to the Ferrari SF71H.
Significant aerodynamic developments were introduced throughout the season. A titanium extension was added from the rear wheel hub to the outboard end of the upper wishbone, raising its height and improving airflow to the rear tyres and diffuser. At the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a spoon-shaped central section with vortex-generating serrations was trialled on the rear wing, reducing drag and increasing straight-line speed. To address tyre temperature issues, a revised front suspension and steering assembly were implemented, enhancing set-up flexibility and reducing aerodynamic disruption. Further changes at the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix included slimmer radiator inlets and redesigned bargeboards to accelerate airflow along the car’s sides and underfloor, increasing downforce. New rear wing end-plates were also developed to improve balance and grip. A concave rear brake drum, introduced at the 2018 Singapore Grand Prix in conjunction with a unique rear wheel rim design from the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, aimed to regulate rear tyre temperatures by extracting heat and maintaining optimal tyre performance.
The Mercedes AMG F1 W09 EQ Power+ was powered by a redesigned Mercedes power unit, designated M09 EQ Power+, developed to ensure continuous improvement until the next generation of engines scheduled for début in 2021. The engine featured a performance-boosting “party mode” used during qualifying sessions.
The F1 W09 EQ Power+ made its competitive début at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton secured pole position, but ultimately finished second to Sebastian Vettel. Valtteri Bottas qualified fifteenth after a gearbox change and finished eighth. The following races saw a close battle with Ferrari, with Mercedes struggling to match Ferrari’s pace in Bahrain and China. Hamilton secured victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a dramatic race featuring multiple safety car periods and a late tyre puncture for Valtteri Bottas.
Mercedes achieved a dominant 1-2 finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, with Hamilton and Bottas leading from start to finish. Hamilton continued his strong form, winning in Monaco, Canada, France, and Germany. Bottas secured victories in Austria and Russia. The season saw intense competition with Ferrari, particularly from Sebastian Vettel, with both drivers trading wins and championship leads. Hamilton clinched his fifth World Drivers' Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix, with two races to spare. Mercedes secured their fifth consecutive World Constructors' Championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with one race remaining.
At the Bahrain Grand Prix, a pit-stop incident involving Kimi Räikkönen prompted the FIA to investigate wheel-guns and pit-stop procedures. Later in the season, concerns were raised about Ferrari’s power unit operation, leading to an investigation by the FIA, which ultimately approved their system.
The corpus source for this article is a single Wikipedia article on the Mercedes AMG F1 W09 EQ Power+. No primary archives, autobiographies, period programmes, or specialist publications were consulted.
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