Mercedes' Secret Weapons REVEALED | F1 TV Tech Talk | Crypto.com

Summary

The script provides an in-depth look at the 2024 Mercedes F1 car, analyzing key design elements like the unusual narrow front wing flap, adjustable front suspension, and switch to a push rod rear suspension. It compares the new car to last year's model and explains the focus on improving rear end stability. Mercedes' innovative solutions to maneuver within the F1 rules are also highlighted, demonstrating the team's creativity despite restrictions. The summary sparks interest in hearing expert James Allison explain the thoughtful engineering changes to make the car faster and more drivable.

Takeaways

• 😲 Mercedes has adopted a very different front wing design this year, with a narrowed fourth element
• 🤔 Mercedes tested two different front suspension layouts in preseason, with adjustable pickup points
• 🔍 The new Mercedes has a fundamentally different nose shape and suspension mounting strategy
• 👀 Red Bull has copied Mercedes' 'great wall' sidepod concept from last year
• 🚗 Mercedes focused on improving rear end stability and predictability with the new car
• ⚙️ The team switched to a push rod rear suspension for packaging and performance reasons
• 🎯 Key focus was keeping the rear axle pointed in the right direction under all conditions
• 😎 Mercedes moved the driver's seating position rearwards compared to last year
• 💪 The roll hoop and structure around the cockpit had to be redesigned to meet new regulations
• ⏳ It remains to be seen whether the Mercedes W13 concept or W14 will prove more successful

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Mercedes W14 car design?

The main focus is improving rear end stability and drivability, to address complaints from drivers that they don't trust the rear end.

What is the purpose of the very thin 4th front wing element on the W14?

It allows Mercedes to have a broader chord on the outer section of the wing where they want downforce, while satisfying rules that wing elements must span the full width of the wing.

Why did Mercedes add an adjustable front suspension design?

They were unsure about the optimal anti-dive level, so designed two suspension pickup points to allow quick changes between test sessions.

How has the driver's seating position changed compared to the W13?

The seating position has been moved rearwards compared to the front axle, something Lewis Hamilton complained about last year.

What changes were made to the roll hoop structure and why?

New FIA crash tests require a stronger roll hoop design. Teams have had to redesign and likely add some weight, but optimize center of gravity height.

What rear suspension layout does the W14 use and why?

Mercedes switched to a push rod rear suspension to improve packaging and access to suspension components compared to the previous pull rod.

What aspects of the rear end were focused on for improvements?

Wishbone layouts and track rods were optimized to better maintain rear tire contact patches and respond to load changes.

How extreme is the W14's vented rear bodywork design compared to other teams?

The rear gullies are more pronounced than last year, but not as extreme as designs from Aston Martin and Alpine.

Why did Mercedes drop their sidepod and floor design from early 2022?

That 'zero pod' concept was initially disliked and others have now copied Red Bull's high sidepod style instead.

What is the legacy of the unusual W13 concept?

It remains to be seen if Red Bull can make their high sidepod copy work. If so, it may prove the W13 was an influential concept.