Yeah, Merc's more conventional sidepod shape belies the fact that they have the tightest packaging on the grid this year in that area. Ferrari is slimmer around the roll hoop as they repackaged a lot of their cooling infrastructure to the sidepod area.roon wrote: ↑01 Jul 2019, 03:18Ferrari and RB have run bigger outlets all season. If bigger outlets and more voluminous bodywork compromise Merc's aero then they may commit to the detunes in hot weather all season, at least until PU upgrades can address anything. Strategy being: concede performance in hot weather races, gain it back when weather permits, while getting a more compact package all the while.
Ferrari and RB perhaps less bodywork limited with their power unit performance, but have to commit to bulkier sidepods and engine covers.
The important thing to remember is that it wasn't just the heat that troubled Merc this weekend, it was the heat and the altitude, and we won't be seeing another combination like that until Mexico. Plus, this circuit was one that was very demanding on the PU regardless of those factors. Perfect storm, really.