Merc v RBR drag at Monza

[mattikake]

Is it me or is it pretty clear where RBR are getting their "new" high top speeds from compared to the [more powerful] Merc, since Spa?



^ Check the front wings snapped today at Monza (bad pics I know, but I'm pist, it's late and there are few pics to go by]. To me it seems there is a lot more "bulk" to that Merc front wing than the RBR. The leading edges of the winglets look thicker and there seems to be more wing there.

Conversely, it seems RBR can run a bit more rear wing as a result, which could explain why they're nailing sector 2 through the Lesmos.

[Jungles]

The two teams were probably on different test programmes.

[RealSquirrels]

red bull generates massive underfloor downforce, so they can run skinnier wings and still have the grip.

[acf8181]

Front wing doesn't really create that much drag compared to other bits aero bits

[zac510]

and thickness does not perfectly correlate with drag either.

don't be fooled by the paint color/reflection of light, either.

[Mojocvh]

pretty awesome images there, some subtle and some not so subtle, differences, thanks for posting

[entropy]

If you look at the shaping of the cascades/tiered elements adjacent to the endplates it is very easy to imagine what they're trying to do with the airflow which is to direct and clean up the dirty air created by the front wheels. Better airflow around the car will give you better DF.

Scarbs' article on Sauber's front wings apply to RBR: http://scarbsf1.com/blog1/2013/09/07/sauber-spamon...

Regards to Merc their car understeers so their front wing looks to aim giving aero/handling balance. Hamilton lost the lead in Spa because of front end tyre scrub so he had less corner speed to Seb at Eau Rouge.

[mollytherocker]

There are multiple complicated things going on in the aero of both those cars on EVERY surface.

Some hidden, some not, and all having singular and contributory effects.

You cannot just look at a photo and make simple conclusions about certain elements. Even the pros can't!

It's just not that simple.