PlatinumZealot wrote: ↑18 Feb 2023, 17:05
Mercedes use the sheer bulk of medium pressure air running between the nose and wheels to fill the void where the side pod would be. This bulk air discourages the front wheel wake from coming towards the middle of the car. Rememeber now that there is an upwash tendendcy from front wing and when air hits the front of the radiator inlet. This tendency would move the frontal air uward and invite front wheel wake. That is where the dowashing side pod wing comes in. It keeps the volume near the side pods protected with a larg vortex and also "filled" with the front oncoming air.
I am preparing a W14 sidepod model on base chassis like last year, so we will be able to have a slightly better understanding of major phenomena at play. I don't think I will do Ferrari and RB like last year, just the Merc. I might also try some smaller design changes to sidepods to see their immediate effect.
The only thing I can say from photos is that sidepod drag alone is lower beyond doubt (better overall inlet integration, smoother geometry beyond inlet etc), so the car drag is also lower for sure. Whether rear tyre drag management has improved with launch spec is unknown, only the team can testify on a detail like that.