But I think since they started using the dimpled rims the pace seem to have dropped off a bit. Seems as though it a bit harder to get the tyres in the correct operating window. Before mercedes would nail a really quick lap in one run but I noticed they have been doing two laps to get the tyres up to speed that is why I think Hamilton got himself in a spot the last couple Saturdays in qualifying. I guess it's better than qualifying at the front and driving backwards quickly during the race. If they could get that bit right then they would perform much better.
I very much doubt that the rims are the only upgrades they've made since the start of the season, almost everything will affect the tyres in some way, I would imagine the dimples have a very minimal effect tbh, maybe it's a bit of straw clutching, the problem seems to be inherent in their whole design thinking as they've had the same problem every season since they became Mercedes
