Canadian GP 2022
There was only a week between the two fast street circuits in Baku and Montreal. Therefore, technology upgrades were limited. Mercedes countered by bouncing on the straights and once again hit the underbody.
When one race follows another, it is difficult for design offices to keep up. Especially when the circuits are similar to those of the Baku City Circuit and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. A little more contact pressure was needed on the classic on Ile des Notre Dame.
Therefore, four teams adjust their rear wings and underwings. Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine and Aston Martin brought new or modified wings with them. One rear wing, the other the bottom elements, both Ferrari.
Mercedes focused on its major weakness. The underbody is still the focus in solving problems with bouncing and bottoming. During training, the engineers tried a new floor, which was significantly cut off in the front area. Plus, the bottom plate has been reinforced to prevent bending over too much. However, it costs extra weight.
mercedes pack upgrade again
However, after a few rounds of testing, the new underbody was put back on the shelf. He promised not to make any corrections. A second support cable, which was attached to stabilize the underbody, also fell off again after the training sessions. The FIA had given this opportunity to the teams under technical instructions.
Other teams, such as Alpine, had already prepared a protest if Mercedes had used another support cable in qualifying and the race. In the end, however, the engineers voluntarily gave up. Not only because they wanted to save themselves from the mess of protests, but also because no positive effect was found.
XPB
In the race both Mercedes were running with different rear wings.
Here’s our take on the upgrade to Baku:
mercedes
Underbody: The floor has been cut in the front area to be able to better remove the accumulated air under the car. In addition, the base plate was strengthened.
Rear Suspension: The angle of the tie rod has been changed for aerodynamic reasons. This improves rear flow, regardless of ground clearance.
ferrari
Rear Wing: New main blade and flap profile to improve efficiency.
Bottom Wing: Adjusting the profile of the flap to improve efficiency.
McLaren
Rear Wing: New wing attachment, which should provide more downforce
Underbody: The support cable has been replaced to make the underbody tighter.
alpine
Lower Wing: Two elements of the “beam wing” have been rearranged to improve efficiency.
Aston Martin
Rear Wing: New flap on the old wing to optimize the level of downforce required in Montreal.
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