McLaren MP4-29 Mercedes

[Blackout]

it looks even more efficient than the classic beam how did they manage that

[motobaleno]

wow more than inclined they actually seem almost vertical!

[Sebp]

what about that part of rules saying that any component of the suspension system must be aero neutral?

What is aero neutral defined as? Isn't everything aero neutral that doesn't create downforce?

[adrianjordan]

Any of our posters who are good at reading (and interpreting) the rules care to take a stab at explaining how they're getting away with these??

[adrianjordan]

what about that part of rules saying that any component of the suspension system must be aero neutral?

What is aero neutral defined as? Isn't everything aero neutral that doesn't create downforce?

And indeed couldn't something be aero-neutral when tested in isolation, but when combined with the rest of the car play a part in redirecting air-flow in a desired manner..??

[Thunder]

wow more than inclined they actually seem almost vertical!

Yeah it almost looks like it, weird.... but VERY Interesting.

[Blackout]

wow more than inclined they actually seem almost vertical!

Yes they look more like airbrakes in the second pic

[stefan_]

2014 Winter Testing Session 1 / Day 2 - Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (29.01.2014)

Bigger.

[Thunder]

Are these "Devices" taped on?

Could they just be some new Kind of Flow Sensors?

[motobaleno]

what about that part of rules saying that any component of the suspension system must be aero neutral?

What is aero neutral defined as? Isn't everything aero neutral that doesn't create downforce?

And indeed couldn't something be aero-neutral when tested in isolation, but when combined with the rest of the car play a part in redirecting air-flow in a desired manner..??

infact we are again back to the BIG question about the spirit or the letter of the rules. If sporting rules are the same as law (where only letter counts) then rules like "any component of the suspension system must be aero neutral" should be canceled since literally they don't mean anything and you can only respect their "spirit". presently you only induce confusion (and discrimination) between teams that try to respect the spirit of the rules and teams that (rightly) respect only the letter

[Vanja #66]

Could those be some sensors in new packaging or maybe simple pieces to block the view on their rear suspension?

[OO7]

Those components can be aero neutral. Their purpose appears to be to create a low pressure region above the diffuser to help work it harder, just like any bluff body will do in a flow field.......I think.

[daveyrace]

They look like they have a vertical rear and something resembling a gurney at the top. Almost as if they are mini rear wings but with a back blanked off.

I know some bicycle frames have an aero shape frame which is essentially a wing with the end chopped clean-off so they act like a larger wing than regulations allow whilst being within dimensions.

I noticed as well that the led on top of the roll hoop is red on the Mclaren, would this be 'their' colour choice or does it denote a different scenario for the power unit. Maybe as it is wet running it shows the power unit is not using the electric motor. Could this be mandatory this year for wet weather running to stop them spinning off (FIA fun police at work again)? But then in some pictures it is off?

[Mr.G]

Regarding the LED, it should be GREEN when it's safe to manipulate with the car. It's for marshals.

[stefan_]