Analysis
Formula 1
Analysis: How Mercedes turned a title winner into 2017 test mule
The second phase of Pirelli’s 2017 wide tyre test programme kicked off this week, with both Ferrari and Mercedes in action for the latest slick running.
Matt Somerfield
Edited: Sep 7, 2016, 1:49 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
After the first tests at the start of August, Pirelli had made clear that it wanted the teams to deliver more downforce to better simulate the steps coming for next year.
This week Mercedes revealed what it had done to adapt a 2015 W06 chassis with new aerodynamic and suspension components to cope with the extra forces being generated.
Taking a close look at the car, the front wing’s footplate has been extended downward in order to create an air skirt that attempts to seal the outer section of the wing.
Mercedes AMG F1 W06 Hybrid nose detail
Photo by: Daimler AG
This is a perfect physical representation of what teams were trying to achieve with their flexible front wings around 2010-11.
Furthermore, Mercedes has added modification to the ‘neutral’ section of the front wing teams teams are not normally allowed to play around with.
A bulge is placed on the upper surface of the front wing (highlighted in red) in order to improve the aerodynamic relationship between it and the nose behind.
This is a quick fire way of improving things without having to redesign the nose structure and can also be used to house more ballast if a balance shift is required.
Mercedes AMG F1 W06 Hybrid rear detail
Photo by: Daimler AG
Elsewhere, a skirt has also been added to the side of the floor in order to help seal the edge, increasing the amount of downforce being generated.
Pascal Wehrlein, Mercedes AMG F1 W06 Hybrid with 2017 Pirelli tyres
Photo by: Daimler AG
The rear wing has also been supplemented with a 'beam wing', improving the interaction between the rear wing and diffuser.
The modifications are similar to the ones already made by Red Bull and Ferrari, with all of the teams likely to make further modifications along the way if Pirelli wants to ramp up the downforce even more.
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Ecclestone: I've been asked to stay for three more years
Next article Williams won't divert resources back to '16 car to beat Force India
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Matt Somerfield
Gallery: How F1 tech evolved during the 2024 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
Gallery: How F1 tech evolved during the 2024 season
How McLaren’s rear wing push changed the game in F1
Formula 1
Formula 1
How McLaren’s rear wing push changed the game in F1
How 2026 F1 rules will help avoid identikit designs
Formula 1
Formula 1
How 2026 F1 rules will help avoid identikit designs
More from
Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
1 h
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
Latest news
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
1 h
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
1 h
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
2 h
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
NASCAR O'Reilly
NOAP NASCAR O'Reilly
Talladega II
2 h
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe