Before Ferrari unveils its new single-seater, the presentation of the Mercedes W09 at 1 p.m. was the focus of attention.<\/p>\n
The formidable efficiency of the Mercedes W08 has led Mercedes engineers not to drastically revolutionize a well-tuned machine. However, this does not prevent noting some technical developments compared to last year.<\/p>\n
Let’s start with the front of the W09:<\/p>\n
Firstly, the nose remains the same as last year, but the cape-shaped appendix under the front of the car has been revisited, being flattened and slightly moved backward. The aim here is to direct the airflow towards the flat floor to better stick the car to the ground (see photo 4 by Tobi Gr\u00fcner below).<\/p>\n
Further back, we notice an extension of the floor in front of the bargeboards which allows for the addition of three appendages that serve to redirect air towards the rear of the car and to clean up the dirty air coming from the wake of the front tires (see photo below).<\/p>\n
\nOH MY \ud83d\ude0d look at that detail in behind the @MercedesAMGF1<\/a> W09’s bargeboards!<\/p>\n
Also note the fluted floor extensions, which are new for this year ahead of the bargeboards. pic.twitter.com\/2uQ6CaZhN5<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Matthew Somerfield \ud83c\udd62\ud83c\udd5e\ud83c\udd5c\ud83c\udd54\ud83c\udd61\ud83c\udd62\u24bb\u2460 (@SomersF1) 22 f\u00e9vrier 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Just behind, the side-pods are slightly raised with narrow air intakes like on the Red Bull RB14. The central air intake has also been widened to compensate for the negative aerodynamic aspects of the halo (see photo 3 below).<\/p>\n
\nHow about some more close-up pics of the new Mercedes W09? Check out our AMuS gallery: https:\/\/t.co\/paaHqKNThY<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/cmZhTwbTFW<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Tobi Gr\u00fcner \ud83c\udfc1 (@tgruener) 22 f\u00e9vrier 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Precisely, the halo currently does not have any appendages permitted within the 15-millimeter zone around the device as specified by the regulations, but its profile is very flat on the top.<\/p>\n
Another modified area is the engine hood, which is very tight like on the Red Bull and Renault, suggesting that more effective cooling solutions for power units have been found by the different engine manufacturers (see photo 2 below).<\/p>\n
\nDetalles del Mercedes W09. Trapecio delantero elevado con extensi\u00f3n. tipo2017. Gen d v\u00f3rtice en trapecio inferior. El trabajo d empaquetamiento d pontones a motor y cambio va m\u00e1s all\u00e1 del d 2017. Alet\u00edn en zona Y100 fijado a soporte ala posterior. pic.twitter.com\/L6fNcEBewl<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Albert Fabrega ES (@AlbertFabrega) 22 f\u00e9vrier 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Note also the significant work done on the rear suspensions with a very raised upper triangle, likely for aerodynamic reasons, but also to help combat the oversteer that plagued the W08 (see photo below).<\/p>\n
\nSomething funky going on with the rear outer suspension mounts. You can also see the exhaust stepping up over the inner suspension mounts as seen on the fire up video. pic.twitter.com\/i3ISpFUZBZ<\/a><\/p>\n