f1316 wrote: ↑11 Feb 2021, 17:03
It strikes me that Aston (and Vettel) have a significant opportunity to be competitive this year, with the stars really aligning for them:
- 1. Because they get to use new Mercedes parts for ‘free’, they have the opportunity to basically make their W10 into a W11
I think of course this is gonna help, but to state that they will simply make a W11, is not the ideal path for them.
First of all, as could be seen with the pictures with Lance, we can clearly see the side pod inlet shape seems to be a quarter of an oval, compared to Mercedes' rather rectangular inlets. Moreover, the aerodynamic changes coming this year have been said to create substantial change in order to maintain all the lost downforce, notably around the rear. If this is true, it would mean that yes, they would be able to inspire themselves from the W11 bargeboard and front wing, but in order to neatly seal the floor, and the diffuser, they will have to develop it themselves. It's also important to note that they went down their own path in development in 2020. Look at the sidepods and the front wing for example.
Also, I'm just realising you stated the aero handicap will help them in a fight against RB, Mclaren, (tho Renault theoretically will have the upper hand), I think this upper hand will come more into play for the 2022 season because this year, i don't want to say will be a a throwaway year, but most teams will want to focus on the new regs, which will mean that development while important, won't play that big of a role. Unless AM decides to focus entirely on 2021, however i think it would be unwise, with how they develop their 2022 car will determine more or less where in the pecking order they will stand for in essence the next few year. So therefore this aero handicap will help them more for the 2022 car.
Overall, i'd say having the car based on the w10 and the aero-handicap won't give them that big of an advantage unfortunately for this year. Regardless, I'm intrigued to know what they came up with, and how competitive they are this season.