Mercedes AMG F1 W05

[theWPTformula]

As far as I'm aware, there is an advantage in having longer gear ratios and less shifts this year because the technology is still in its infancy, especially downshifting. Rev matching isn't quite as accurate as it has been in previous years (unless you're in a Ferrari because they use the MGU-K to effectively blip the throttle) so there's a lot of force in the downshift, which upsets the car's balance. Less downshifts (and upshifts) in the longer corners and braking phases will disturb the car far less.

In Bahrain the McLaren drivers complained about the car destabilising in the longer corners during downshifts, so they adopted a softer clutch engagement (whether that was through hardware or software I'm not sure) for qualifying and the race. You may recall that both McLarens retired from the race due to clutch problems and it was for this reason - the clutch was slipping excessively in a bid to reduce the force on downshift.

[myurr]

The very long 8th gear chosen by Mercedes, so that they have almost exclusively ran using 7th, might actually have been compromising the W05hybrid so far. It is good for 480Km/h at 15000rpm or, more realistically, 360Km/h at 11250rpm, but it is compromising the transition to the other gears. Where would they be with shorter or more closely spaced gears ?

Don't forget that Williams have publicly commented that they've been getting excessive rear tyre wear because of their short gearing, something they failed to properly account for when choosing their ratios. Perhaps Mercedes have deliberately chosen their ratios to be kind to the rear tyres with less frequent gear changes and easier to control torque curves. They have had very good tyre wear in general this year, certainly amongst the best even if not *the* best.

[Juzh]

Williams and merc were almost always tied for the fastest car on the straight despite their huge gearing difference so far. Maybe it'll make a negligible difference in monza, but I doubt it.

[aleks_ader]

Williams and merc were almost always tied for the fastest car on the straight despite their huge gearing difference so far. Maybe it'll make a negligible difference in monza, but I doubt it.

Yes it is. But AERO principles how to achieve that is quite opposite. Merc use good traction out of corners, to accelerate "quicker" in the tight very grip limited corners. So they need compensate the PU, AERO and tire characteristics vs. track calendar property.

Williams on the another side had very low drag package what helps gain time in the second part of the strait or fast section (where you are not the grip limited!!!). Williams way is good for decent "fuel" economy, but that hurt Williams more than Mercedes for instance due course of ALL track configurations.

As many my previous posters point it out already, could be tire and gear ratio somewhat tight related between each other. As a whole car package it make a lot of sense, "black stuff" dictate the amount of friction and drastically influence on driver confidence in the machine (very important factor).

At this "low unstable" AERO, wide "high" PU torque range and "harsh" mechanical grip levels could be plausible to makes Mercedes factory team step forward compare other customers teams in terms of optimization. Especially, Merc is definitely game ahead it terms of software and engine, gas, brake and torque mapping. So there most be huge differentiator factor. Cudos to Merc engineers and its "programmers".

[MercedesAMGSpy]

[Juzh]

Williams and merc were almost always tied for the fastest car on the straight despite their huge gearing difference so far. Maybe it'll make a negligible difference in monza, but I doubt it.

Yes it is. But AERO principles how to achieve that is quite opposite. Merc use good traction out of corners, to accelerate "quicker" in the tight very grip limited corners. So they need compensate the PU, AERO and tire characteristics vs. track calendar property.

Williams on the another side had very low drag package what helps gain time in the second part of the strait or fast section (where you are not the grip limited!!!). Williams way is good for decent "fuel" economy, but that hurt Williams more than Mercedes for instance due course of ALL track configurations.

Well, yes. I didn't say williams is aero efficient compared to merc. They're trading ultimate pace (even if that's the best they can do) for top speed.

[l4mbch0ps]

That bump on the sidepod doesn't look like it connects to the turning vane - perhaps it's there for regulatory purposes like the bumps on the back side of the car?

[turbof1]

That bump on the sidepod doesn't look like it connects to the turning vane - perhaps it's there for regulatory purposes like the bumps on the back side of the car?

I think this is the crash structure protruding a bit. They looked to have shrink-wrapped the sidepod around it.

[gray41]

[Scuderia Nuvolari]

<snippity>
Formula1.com

I find it unbelievable how the team is developing this monster. Even though they have a massive gap, they're not relenting at all. If anything, I've never seen such aggressive development from the team.

It's almost like they're trying to kick the other teams while they're down.

This car is an incredible work of art and a silver feather in the silver arrow . stable .
Please keep those pictures coming .

[stefan_]

Canada 2014 - Thursday (05.06.2014)

[PlatinumZealot]

You can bet that Mecerdes do in fact give a Monkey's about Monkey seats. This one looks like it belonged to the Xerxes of the Monkey World.

[otbsti]

New infrared cameras on the front wing...

[mantikos]

New infrared cameras on the front wing... https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpY2VJuCEAE702-.jpg:large

Hmm dual sensors - wonder what the other one is for.

[heimana]

new monkey seat or not?