Analysis
Formula 1 British GP
Tech analysis: Mercedes' new rear wing for Silverstone
Mercedes has taken a leaf out of Toro Rosso’s book with its new rear wing for Silverstone, which features the same type of serrated louvres used by the Italian team since the start of the season (below).
Giorgio Piola Matt Somerfield
Edited: Jul 7, 2016, 1:52 PM
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Toro Rosso STR11 rear wing Barcelona
Photo by: Giorgio Piola
In side view, the louvres look as if they are slotted on the endplate's leading edge, however, an angled wing shape profile deceives, with a small bridge present between each surface.
Mercedes rear wing detail
Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Four strakes (highlighted in yellow) have also been added to the endplate's outer surface, in order to break up the pressure and create an energetic upwash.
This type of strake can be found in many other challengers up and down the pitlane but ordinarily Mercedes only feels the need to shape the bottom section of the endplate to achieve this goal.
The new endplates are paired with a larger-than-expected mainplane and top flap as they look for a little more downforce, whilst reducing the drag with the new endplates. The top flap features the cut-outs at the outboard section that we have seen the team use on numerous occasions.
This specification wing is the latest in a long line of designs employed by the current world champions as it strives to maintain its gap to the opposition.
In Baku it introduced its viscerally appealing 'Spoon' wing, which was built on a similar design ethos to the one employed last season but was improved to maximise changes within this year's regulations, widening the centre section to increase the downforce it could generate.
This succession of new parts arriving at each GP for the W07 seems inconceivable when compared with other teams' development so far this season.
These are parts that need long lead times, not only in terms of CFD and wind tunnel testing but also in their build time too, which makes it altogether impressive that Mercedes is able to achieve it, given that at least some of its focus must now be on the challenges that face them next season.
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