Belgian GP: Mercedes update plans encourages Schumacher for future

Mercedes endured its worst qualifying performance of the year at Spa, which Schumacher lining up 13th and Rosberg down in 23rd on the grid after a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change.

But despite its form having trailed off in recent races, Schumacher sees good reason to feel optimistic that matters will improve soon.

"We will probably see our car improved after Monza," said Schumacher, when asked by AUTOSPORT if he expected the team to be able to bounce back over future races.

"So far we have not really done much because it is progress that will come in time after Monza. In the meantime, we have to live with what we have, and we can probably say that his race and the one before did not suit our car at all.

"Plus, others went forward and we have stood still - and that is why we are where we are."

As well as more general aerodynamic improvements to the car, Mercedes is believed to be evaluating a Lotus style double-DRS - to help stall the rear wing on straights for a speed boost.

Nico Rosberg evaluated components relating to that during Friday practice at Spa, and it is possible that, if the system works as planned, it could appear at one of the next few races.

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn would not go in to detail about his team's update plans, but said he was confident the outfit's form would improve.

"Monza will be low downforce of course so there is a low drag package for there, which we will be racing, and we are giving a pretty strong push over the next few races," he said. "But I think you will see some changes to the car in the next few races."