Mercedes W14

[organic]

So it does form a tunnel under the sidepod to deliver clean air to diffuser/tyre squirt area rather than something generating outwash over the rear edge of the floor

[Luscion]

So as someone who doesnt know much about how the aero works, this sidepod design has increased the undercut and downwash over the top, correct?

[Cs98]

https://i.imgur.com/vQu816L.jpeg

So it does form a tunnel under the sidepod to deliver clean air to diffuser/tyre squirt area rather than something generating outwash over the rear edge of the floor

Probably trying to keep the air attached along the side of the sidepod so that they can place it where they want between the rear wheel and the diffuser. Doesn't look like it would generate much outwash.

[Hoffman900]

Not saying what Mercedes is doing is the same thing, but food for thought:

Pages 167-168
https://www.f1-forecast.com/pdf/F1-File ... 2e_all.pdf

Honda, circa 2009, talking about undercut sidepods vs slab side is about floor “sealing”.

[michl420]

Looks like they're trying to create some outwash from the outside. Common on high downforce wings but new for low downforce?

[El_KaPpa]

"Changing the undercut also changes the flow management at the outer edge of the floor. The side part has been changed to the "lip"."

[pursue_one's]

New sidepod and Floor edge

[AR3-GP]

New sidepod and Floor edge

https://cdn-4.motorsport.com/images/mgl ... ail-1.webp
https://cdn-1.motorsport.com/images/mgl ... ail-1.webp
https://cdn-8.motorsport.com/images/mgl ... ail-1.webp

It's a little bit of everything now. Shallow bath. undercut. downwash.

[scuderiabrandon]

https://i.imgur.com/vQu816L.jpeg

So it does form a tunnel under the sidepod to deliver clean air to diffuser/tyre squirt area rather than something generating outwash over the rear edge of the floor

My guess would be floor edge treatment and pushing air between diffuser and rear wheel break duct area. The ridge/belly in my opinion is what is managing the front wheel wake.

[Farnborough]

Really is frankenstein-ium. If they're adjusting the pods without changing the floor, doubt we will see new floor at all.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F2DmmgOW4AE ... name=large

Looks like I'd expect open experimental adaption to. Certainly interesting and dare I say it more progressive in how they are looking at it from their now development pathway.

Genuine flow path difference as it travels along sidepod, also cleaner in respect of additional vortex forest around mirrors.

Looks like Valteri has snuk back into driver's seat though

[AR3-GP]

"Changing the undercut also changes the flow management at the outer edge of the floor. The side part has been changed to the "lip"."

I also think the radiator opening seems to be deviating from the norm again. They've gone lower again. It's a bit like Alpine. Almost everyone else on the grid has high and wide inlets.

[continuum16]

Good comparison pics from The Race, some of which have already been posted (if they all have, apologize for the repost):




Article here where there is some breakdown, for what it’s worth:
https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-and ... urprising/

[Ozan]

return to w02 sidepod inlets?

[Owen.C93]

https://www.racefans.net/wp-content/upl ... 210-10.jpg

return to w02 sidepod inlets?

Pretty similar to the W04 with the inlet and top roll. Obviously they didn’t connect down the the floor those days (redbull did though)

[GrizzleBoy]

Aston Martin style waterslide sidepods were very short lived.

They are pretty much gone right?

I m pretty sure they are.

I was thinking how teams like Merc could get their undercut to be as big as the RB19s and thought that the waterside is taking up room that would allow that.