AR3-GP wrote: ↑29 Apr 2023, 22:39
The problem I have with this theory is that it's all rather elementary, yet it seems a total mystery to Ferrari, Mercedes, and even Aston Martin who have Dan Fallows.
Also, as has been reported elsewhere, the Haas also has a very powerful DRS system (which goes mostly unnoticed) that has been designed with assistance from a lot of former Ferrari staff.
Different stuff for different teams. Ferrari's wing is 2022 wing, which they designed to be low drag with flap down, just like Canada 22 and Bahrain 23 single-pylon wing. Last year in Baku Q Ferrari was still trailing -5kmh behind RB even before DRS zone, this year they were dead even. Part of the reason of excellent top speed of RB is that its going up all the time, while Ferrari loses e-juice at some point and starts slowing down. I wouldn't be surprised if this Ferrari wing also has a smaller DRS flap by design than allowed by rules, due to overall aerodynamic goals.
Mercedes seems to have gone similar route, due to (still) higher-than-expected chassis drag. The wing they raced this year is definitely not suited for either Jeddah or Baku, but they raced it still - which only confirms they lack a lot of floor downforce. Still, their main plane is also at a very low angle the entire span, so it's not that high on drag. Hamilton's second Q3 lap (the one without the tow) showed only -2kmh vs RB/Ferrari before DRS and -1kmh vs Ferrari after DRS, so it's not that bad at all. Definitely not the primary source of problems for them.
Haas' wing is very good, no doubt. Even the cutout flap had the same effect on top speed like Ferrari's regular flap here - backing up my theory Ferrari wing has smaller flap than possible. Combined with lower angle to begin with and also lacking on PU side, it's a decent explanation for these 4-5kmh difference with DRS on vs RB.
AMR low-downforce wing is very good by design - when it works. Alonso's final SQ3 lap had DRS on the final straight and he was slightly faster than Leclerc the entire straight too. Their chassis is simply a bit draggier than RB for sure, so their top speed is more limited to begin with. It's also very hard to judge Mercedes PU, but Williams keep showing it's right up there on power.
