© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Mercedes introduced numerous changes for the W14 ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Here they are, along with the team’s explanations!
Front Wing Endplate
Reason for change: Performance – local load
Difference: “Introduction of small flicks.”
Description: “The flicks help focus the vorticity shed from the wing tip vorticity, improving performance over a wider range of front ride heights.”
Rear Wing
Reason for change: Performance – local load
Difference: “Upper rear wing lifted tips.”
Description: “Offloading the tip of the wing has shed drag efficiently – this is important for Bahrain and a number of circuits in the early part of the season.”
Nose
Reason for change: Performance – flow conditioning
Difference: “Re-profiled underside of nose.”
Description: “Increased front wing local load and improved conditioning of the flow under the chassis and downstream – notably to the underfloor and fences.”
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Floor Edge
Reason for change: Performance – local load
Difference: “New increased camber forward floor edge wing, and reduced chord rear floor edge wing.”
Description: “Increased forward floor load, and cleaner rear floor edge wing vortex – which in turns increases diffuser load.”
Sidepod Inlet
Reason for change: Performance – flow conditioning
Difference: “Narrow sidepod inlet.”
Description: “Improved flow internally to the radiator resulting in more efficient engine cooling; also improved flow to the rear floor edge, providing more rear downforce.”
Front Suspension
Reason for change: Performance – flow conditioning
Difference: “Front track rod dropped to mid height.”
Description: “Dropping the track rod has improved the effectiveness of the lower wishbone to turn (downwash) the flow from the front wing for the benefit of the underfloor.”
Source: racefans.net
