US Grand Prix - Tech Corner

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Welcome back to Tech Corner and Round 19! We are into the final phase of this F1 season, with this weekend looking very much like the final opportunity to bring updates to their 2024 cars, given the way that the calendar falls - besides some track specific changes in the future. 

The biggest notable absence is Ferrari, but while online there has been a lot of talk, it's worth remembering that they are out of sync with the major updates as they brought theirs at Monza and will be building on that package with set up options here. I don’t think it's all doom and gloom for the Marenello team.

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Red Bull and the FIA Investigation

Before we get into the updates and the top five from me, it’s worth briefly discussing the Red Bull conversation with some facts. So, yes, there is a part that seems to be specific in design to the RB20 that is  able to be used to change setup quickly compared to others on the grid.

Now, this part is not an illegal part... that is really important to note... The issue is that with this comes the ability to use it under parc ferme conditions, which is the problem. If used in parc ferme conditions that would be a breach of the rules. As it stands the FIA say there is no indication this has happened.

The team themselves have said once the car is assembled, access to it is not available for the driver and it is only accessible by taking the front off the car. Before the upcoming weekend, this wasn't part of the checks the FIA did, which is why it's been questioned by the other teams. To combat this the FIA have asked Red Bull before the car enters Parc Feme to place a seal over the part so the stewards can check this hasn't happened and therefore ensure compliance. 

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So with what is a huge update list let's jump straight into it with Mercedes who have 6 updates with them this week.

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Mercedes

Sidepod Inlet

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Mercedes have a drastic change to their sidepod inlet as part of their updated package with the lower lip of the sidepod inlet moved more rearwards on the W15. The team has stated that this is to aid with operating conditions and cooling levels with the aim of improving engine cooling. Looking at it, I also think there is an aerodynamic function to work with the other update on the front suspension.

The front suspension has a reprofiled upper wishbone fairing, By doing this, the flow of air will have changed from the front suspension, which will also help with reducing drag and re-distributing the air and cooling. The team also have changes to their Front Wing, Floor Edge, Coke/Engine Cover and Floor Fences - in what the team have said is the final major development for the team.  

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McLaren

Front Wing

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Another team with a major update is constructor championship leaders McLaren and some interesting points about their new front wing. They only have 1 for the whole weekend and after FP1 where it will be shared for data gathering it will be placed on Lando’s car for the duration, leaving Oscar with an older one. The new one is for the flow with a revised geometry to better control that flow of air from the front and direct it both over the cockpit and into the sidepods. This change is even more vital with the new suspension that's been brought in with the aim of supporting this new, reflowed airflow. The team also have changes to their brake ducts as well as the other update I've spotted below.

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McLaren

Beam Wing

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This is a circuit specific beam wing that's been brought to the track this weekend. Due to the high downforce rear wind, they have brought in a single element beam wing - an area McLaren have changed with great success this season. The idea is very simple and is for drag reduction. The beam wing works by redirecting the airflow after it's passed towards the rear of the car. It creates a high pressure point above the beam wing and a low pressure point below it. These differences produce downforce and plays a crucial role in improving the cars aerodynamic balance. 

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Aston Martin

Front Wing and Front Wing Endplate

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Six updates have appeared on the AMR24 as they try to salvage something from a disappointing season. They have a new front wing which has a revised twist distribution, that when added to the new endplate is designed to improve performance. The endplates actually have an important, often overlooked, job as they provide on average between 5-10 times more effect than other parts. The little swoosh under the aramco logo is crucial as it controls the flow of air around the tyres. This minimizes the overall drag resistance produced and helps direct the flow to the side pods and the floor.

Other Aston Martin updates are coke/engine cover, floor body, floor edge, and the diffuser. 

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Stake

New Front Wing

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The final featured update is from a team who haven't featured much on here, but are seeing in Practice 1 instant improvements, which will come as a welcome relief for fans of the team.

As above the new wing features a new design to improve the airflow to the Stake Car. It had an instant impact on the pace of the team and is showing a positive step in the right direction. They have brought a new front suspension to compliment this, as well as new rear suspension and rear corner. No doubt these changes come with one eye on next season's development route, as well considering their management changes. 

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Other Team Updates

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Alpine - Floor Body, Floor Edge, Coke/Engine Cover, and Rear Wing 

Visa Cashapp RB (VCARB) - Floor Body

Haas - Sidepod Inlet, Floor Body, Floor Fences, Floor Edge, Rear Corner, Coke/Engine Cover, and Cooling Louvres 

Red Bull - Floor Edge, Coke/Engine Cover 

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That's all for this week’s tech corner, and I will be back next weekend with another tech corner! Thanks for reading!

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