Tech Corner: Mercedes Continue To Refine

As pressure builds on Mercedes, with Red Bull now firmly joining the battle at the front, they continue to bring refinements to improve the W07.

For the sixth race in a row changes were made to the upper corner of the front brake duct, with the revised inlet shape and mesh, first introduced in Russia, moved forward to accommodate the slower speeds of Monaco.  The triangular vane mounted above this, that was ditched in Spain returned, changing how airflow around the inlet forms.  Furthermore, the tactic of spraying Teflon coating on the duct before the race returned, having been absent for several races, with the express intent of prohibiting debris from collecting around the inlet and damaging performance.

The ‘Cobra Vane’ which is hung from the rear of the front brake duct (highlighted in green) was reduced in height in order to change how the aerodynamic structures at the front of the car interact with those downstream.

To improve cooling on the slower street circuit, Mercedes also opened up some additional cooling at the rear of the sidepod, around the front leg of the upper wishbone.

At the rear of the car the three tier Y150 winglet (Monkey Seat) introduced in Barcelona was used once more, however a small gurney trim was applied to its trailing edge to further shift the point at which the exhaust plume and surrounding airflow it upwashes met with the rear wing.  This not only provided the drivers with more stability but also improved the net rear downforce achievable.

Matt Somerfield