Mercedes AMG F1 W05

[tranquility2k4]

Looks like Scarbs has spotted Mercedes bulking out their rear bodywork for enhanced cooling:

https://twitter.com/ScarbsF1/status/428 ... to/1/large

Could it be that this is just precautionary? After losing running due to the fault FW, they're unlikely to want to risk overheating or running anything near the limit. I hope this is the case and that they can revert to their slimmer package at some point.

-Update- Actually it appears they had this same package on when LH crashed yesterday?

Could it be that this was on the car all along but is hidden in most pictures? Can anyone confirm if they have two different bodywork packages in that area?

[muhammad-13]

I think they are probably just evaluating both designs. With this big change in regulations and stepping into the unknown about engine cooling etc, i think it's normal to test various concepts because there are going to be some very hot races later. (Hungary, Bahrain, Singapore).

[zonk]

[pmneo]

via amus

[NathanOlder]

AMuS Photo on the front end change

[pmneo]

Looks like they opened the vanity panel to reinforce the bracket

[Callum]

http://img2.auto-motor-und-sport.de/Mer ... 751617.jpg

AMuS Photo on the front end change

Could they possibly have intalled some sort of load cell? I can't think that would help with a sudden fracture of the wing?

[turbof1]

The pylons are thicker. I don't think that a lot of attention should be given to the strips; pieces have been hastily put together with probably no time to smoothen seams between.

[SectorOne]

The bigger rear end package could be the warm weather package maybe?

[stefan_]

https://twitter.com/tgruener/status/428498147275317248

[kooleracer]

The bigger rear end package could be the warm weather package maybe?

I think system checking is so important, that the team don't want to have to stop because of heating issues. I think they are are just playing it safe. Because the weather isn't still near race temp weather. I find it hard to believe that they would have cooling issues in this temp.

[Just_a_fan]

http://imgur.com/JTy3Ee6

They copied FW Venturi turning vanes from RB9 but these seems to be a lot bigger ...
And interesting slots in the turning vanes under the nose ... maybe acting like a small vortex conditioner?

The slots are most likely designed to ensure there is no possibility of separation of the flow being turned from under the nose - in effect they are like the slot gaps in a multi-element wing.

[pmneo]

via amus:

[dren]

A bit bigger cooling exit, more like the Ferrari, similar placement as well. Still a very nice, deep undercut to the rear.

[Ferraripilot]

A bit bigger cooling exit, more like the Ferrari, similar placement as well. Still a very nice, deep undercut to the rear.

W05 has shown us two sidepod configurations in that area, one with no venting and the one pictured above. Definitely a hot climate configuration for Malaysia. Lauda stated these power units are particularly sensitive and a if they go a few degrees too high they fail. Every car on the field has hot weather venting I'm sure they will be testing.