Mercedes AMG F1 W04

[turbof1]

I think it depends on the philosophy of the entire car. McLaren used the R-winglet for 2 seasons (end 2010 to end 2012) in which period the car had more or less a very stable philosophy. Mid-2012 they suddenly changed that, and at the end of 2012 they realised that with the changed philosophy the current front wing assembly works better.
It is difficult to tell what influences the change; probably it will be a combination of several elements. McLaren changed completely how they condition airflow to the back of the car, going from agressive devices like the snowplough and U-sidepods, to more numerous and more subtle flow conditioners.

[Unc1e_M0nty]

Can't say that I'm impressed. Looks like they split the upper element into two and refined the design, but it's nothing exceptional. Red-Bull's front wing looks miles ahead in that regard.

Front wings condition the air over the entire car, the Red Bull has completely different side pods & rear, you can't just bolt on a similar front wing and expect it to work.

[diego1960]

Of course I know that, but the detail of that FW used on the Red-Bull is amazing. Ok, the new one used by Merc is not that bad but still, it looks less complicated, less refined.

[Unc1e_M0nty]

I'm hoping the new wing Ross mentiond is still under wraps somewhere.

[diego1960]

I think that this is the new wing. I don't expect another one to be revealed.

[jav]

Despite some components being modified following the fire on the W04 the car still shows clear signs that it is getting far too hot.

(source: http://www.racecar-engineering.com/cars/mercedes-w04/)

They've drilled holes at the front of the side pods too. Clearly heat dissipation is still a problem.

[mantikos]

Despite some components being modified following the fire on the W04 the car still shows clear signs that it is getting far too hot.

(source: http://www.racecar-engineering.com/cars/mercedes-w04/)

They've drilled holes at the front of the side pods too. Clearly heat dissipation is still a problem.

Where are these holes you speak of...cause your image is the side of the side pod NOT the front that you are talking about and I don't see any holes

[Ferraripilot]

I find it interesting how the new front wing employs 5 elements from the end plate to the flat portion of the main plane. It seems most teams opt to have multiple elements at the very outboard area near the endplate, then transition to 3 elements, then just before the flat portion air directing winglets are employed. Mercedes continue to use the 'r' winglot to direct air over Mercedes complex main plane. No one else joins 3, 4, or 5 in this case elements to the inboard area of the main plane so I obviously wonder about the benefit they must see from doing it this way. It is certainly a complex approach though.

[Dyanxx]

BBC F1 technical analyst Gary Anderson in Jerez
"it's clear from Hamilton's comments on Wednesday that they need it. He admitted the car does not even have as much downforce as last year's McLaren. That might be a wake-up call for Mercedes."

yet Toto said that by the times there competitive. Either Hamilton is calling everyone bluff or Merc clearly need to wake up and smell the coffee because lewis pushed like f##k to set that time whilst overs are cruising

Actually Hamilton said he was able to do that time very easily, so there is definitely more pace to find.

[gray41]

Lots of laps today, feeling more confident about the car.

[Ferraripilot]

106 laps as of 3pm. Nico will be exhausted.

Car burning the silver paint as usual. The car would not be running as long as it has been if it were an issue though. Paint is paint.

[gray41]

Id like to see them cover the back of the car in the black protective material most other teams use.

[Maelstrom]

125 laps and counting... I wonder how many more they'll do today... they certainly made up a bit for the last two days.

[jav]

Where are these holes you speak of...cause your image is the side of the side pod NOT the front that you are talking about and I don't see any holes

that image was in the post I responded to.

take a look at this image:

http://www.formule1.nl/media/uploads/me ... 7707.8.jpg


You can see the holes and the tape covering them down near the "energy" printing.

[pocketmoon]

Id like to see them cover the back of the car in the black protective material most other teams use.

At this stage the paint is an almost perfect indicator of hot spots The heat resistance stuff can come later after any gremlins with internal airflow have been sorted.