ScrewCaptain27 wrote:
I'd say the split airbox is for packaging reasons (sidepods are rather small in fact).
It didn't work well on the Merc as it reduces air pressure going into the engine and consequently engine power (with a NA engine). The turbo engine should suffer much less.
I would suggest Mercedes W01 "blade" airbox benefited the car quite well, especially compared to the bulkier launch spec unit.
The split air box will also not reduce air pressure to the point of noticeable/marked engine power loss if the inlet angles and size are correct.
The Sauber version appears has a huge airbox though, and I think this would be to offset what looks like small sidepods.
Running a 2016 PU with no chance of uprgrades means they'll know the cooling requirements from last year, and know it won't change all year. It will likely also be easier/cheaper to reduce the size of the airbox from venue to venue should it be desired, than the sidepods.