2023-10-20 21:08:00
The Mercedes and Haas F1 teams have prepared the most significant technical updates to their cars for the US Grand Prix. In the first case, we are talking regarding the modernized underbody of the W14, and, according to Lewis Hamilton, this will be the last noticeable innovation introduced in 2023.
“Hopefully this will help us move in the right direction and get to the level we want to be at next year,” said the seven-time world champion.
In particular, the new underbody of the Mercedes car has a slightly raised leading edge, which allows for optimal distribution of the aerodynamic load, improving the quality of the air flow, which is directed to the rear of the car and thus contributes to increased downforce.
Haas has revised various areas of the VF-23 – the underbody, sidepods and engine casing. As the American team explained, the underbody configuration has been optimized so that the aerodynamic body kit is less sensitive to changes in the condition of the car, and it should also be less susceptible to wind.
By changing the edges of the bottom, it was possible to achieve more efficient flow under the car, and generally increase aerodynamic efficiency.
The shape of the side pontoon air intakes has been changed to ensure that these aerodynamic elements work in concert with the redesigned underbody. The new shape of the pontoons made it possible to improve the quality of the air flow flowing around them, and at the same time the layout of the cooling system did not have to be changed.
The engine casing has also been modified, including optimization of the channels through which air escapes from the cooling systems.
In addition, the front brake air ducts on the VF-23 have been improved, their geometry has been slightly changed – this is done in order to reduce the turbulence generated behind the air ducts.
But Mercedes and Haas are not the only teams that have prepared certain new products for the stage in Austin. The Aston Martin car received a new diffuser, the front edge of the underbody was redesigned, the engine casing and an additional rear wing were improved.
An updated underbody also appeared on the AlphaTauri car: on the AT04, the configuration of the underbody and its edges has changed slightly. The shape of the motor casing has also changed, which contributes to more efficient cooling.
Finally, the underbody of the Alfa Romeo car has also been improved, but in the case of the Swiss team, the changes affected its rear. In theory, this should increase downforce in this part of the car, and the modernized underbody is designed to harmoniously interact with the set of updates presented at the stage in Singapore.
The teams Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, Alpine, McLaren and Williams did not report any new products.
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