Aston Martin’s chances of replicating its unexpectedly strong start to the previous season in 2024 will be challenging. While not impossible, it will depend on whether the team can identify and address the reasons for its mid-season decline last year. To gauge its performance for 2024, we should compare where Aston Martin ultimately placed in the F1 pecking order last season.
Meanwhile, McLaren is expected to begin the season in a more favorable position, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see “Red Bull 2” in the top-10 mix as well. Despite this, Aston Martin has high expectations for the upcoming season, especially since its new factory has been operational since last year.
Now, let’s examine what we can gather from the launch render images and the Silverstone shakedown. Instead of focusing on the tabloid format, let’s delve into the technical aspects of the car.
Starting from the front and moving towards the rear, we can observe some notable changes compared to last year’s car. Aston Martin has incorporated a slot gap between the front wing mainplane and the underside of the nose. This modification allows for a more aggressive profile on the underside of the nose, enhancing the flow conditions to the central section of the underfloor.
Furthermore, the front wing has undergone small detail changes at the outer end, where it joins the vertical endplate. These alterations aim to increase the front tyre outwash, which plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance of the underfloor. The inner mudguard assembly, which includes the front brake duct, also contributes to managing the flow around the front tyre.
Moving to the side view, Aston Martin has made significant revisions to the radiator intake. The inlet is now a simple opening in the top surface, and the flow above it is managed by the rearview mirror and its horizontal mount. The side view also reveals the flow over the sidepod and how the inlet is integrated into the top surface. The airflow that gets separated by the lower surface of the intake is utilized to extract the flow from underneath the front corner of the floor.
Regarding the floor edge detail, Aston Martin has made subtle but more aggressive changes. The forward vanes/splitters have been enhanced to improve scavenging of the front corner of the floor. This flow is then directed into a duct that connects it with the “tyre squirt,” which refers to the flow displaced by the rotating tyre onto the track surface. This flow management helps create an air cushion that seals the rear half of the floor.
The air intake to the turbo and the cooling ducts appear to have undergone minimal changes. Aston Martin’s use of the Mercedes transmission system means that the team is tied to the rear suspension points established by Mercedes. While Aston Martin may have employed its own suspension components, it is challenging to discern the details.
In conclusion, the Aston Martin car design for 2024 shows promising improvements. However, the true test will come on the track in Bahrain, where its performance will ultimately determine its success. Aston Martin’s technical director, Dan Fallows, emphasizes the importance of creating a car that can perform well at any circuit and be competitive. By prioritizing usability and driver satisfaction, Aston Martin aims to compete at the highest level and challenge the likes of Red Bull.
According to the Source the-race.com