The Bahrain pre-season testing session concluded just over a day ago, with teams having about 24 hours of track time. Let’s take a look at the innovations tested by Ferrari on the SF-24 and by Mercedes on the W15 during the Bahrain tests, ahead of the start of the 2024 Formula 1 championship.
The three days of testing on the circuit in Bahrain confirmed Red Bull as the benchmark, in line with pre-season expectations. However, the pack of chasers seems to be very compact and filled with competitors. Among these are Ferrari and Mercedes, which had the opportunity to test some updates during the Bahrain tests in Sakhir.
Mercedes with a Revolutionary Update
The Brackley technicians brought a completely new single-seater to the track, with some rather interesting concepts. First and foremost is the extremely innovative Push-rod rear suspension. In addition to the change in geometry, the suspension strut was positioned in a rather horizontal manner, probably to make the suspension’s behavior more predictable. There’s also a new arrangement of the lower and upper arms, with the upper wishbone arm moved further back compared to the W14. However, what is surprising is the front suspension that had generated a lot of curiosity during the presentation. Indeed, comparing the render version and the one from the presentation video revealed a curious difference. Initially, it was thought to be an error in the presentation model, but the tests have proven otherwise.
After the images of the presentation, Mercedes innovates the suspension – @Junaid JB17 Via X
On the last day of testing, Lewis Hamilton’s W15 hit the track with a new geometry. The change was limited to the rear arm of the upper Wishbone, but it surprised everyone with its innovation. Observing the front suspension group of the W15, one can notice a removable panel on the chassis. This allows, by rotating it, to change the position of the rear arm attachment, significantly increasing the anti-dive effect. Not only the mechanics but also the aerodynamics benefit, creating a considerable air channel directed towards the inlets and the underbody. To install this panel, Mercedes had to significantly reinforce the chassis, since this is not a contiguous part of the body even though it is fixed.
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Ferrari Floor with New Aerodynamic Concepts
Totally new diffuser for the SF-24 – @AMuS
The Maranello single-seater convinced all enthusiasts during its debut on the Bahrain track. Good cornering insertion and the regained balance allowed the drivers to become very familiar with the car and develop the best setup. All factors that should simplify the development path of these wing car single-seaters. One of the main elements of these cars is the floor, much more evolved compared to the one on the SF-23. Among the limitations present on the old-generation single-seater was the keel, which represented a significant obstacle to the expansion of flows in the diffuser.
With the new rear suspension introduced on the SF-24 car, the Maranello technicians have significantly reduced this obstacle. Very interesting is the terminal area of the diffuser, which features special geometries. In the connection between the upper and side wall, there is a small concave hump designed to accelerate the exiting air and improve its extraction. There’s also a small bulge on the upper wall that performs the same task and works in synergy with the beam wings.
Source: f1ingenerale
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