The Silver Arrows garnered significant attention in the paddock after unveiling a groundbreaking new design during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes, has confirmed that the team has been engaged in ongoing discussions with the FIA regarding the front wing of their 2024 challenger, the W15. The Silver Arrows garnered significant attention in the paddock after unveiling a groundbreaking new design during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Confirming the legality of the W15’s revolutionary front wing design, which has faced scrutiny due to its impact on controlling airflow around the car, Wolff stated: “The implementation of any car component is always subject to a thorough exchange with the FIA throughout the entire process. It is not a matter of simply bolting on a clever idea for testing and hoping it won’t be challenged. It is a lengthy process of dialogue that takes place during the winter. I believe we are in a satisfactory position.” Mercedes was not the only team to introduce bold development ideas in Bahrain. Red Bull chose to emulate the design concept of the Silver Arrows’ 2022 and 2023 challengers, drawing inspiration from the ‘zeropod’ concept as they seek to defend their consecutive Constructors’ Championship titles. Addressing the similarities between Red Bull’s new car and Mercedes’ previous design, Wolff explained: “The reality is that you cannot know for certain; each team pursues its own development path and strives to gain an advantage in the virtual world, simulators, and wind tunnels. They will implement their ideas on the car regardless of what other teams are doing. We have departed from our zero-pod concept and certain features because we felt they did not enhance the car’s performance. That is why we have transitioned to a design that may appear more conventional at first glance, but we believe provides a stronger foundation.” If the first day of pre-season testing is any indication, Red Bull’s design choices over the winter have proven successful. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen dominated the morning session, consistently topping the timing charts, and extended his lead in the afternoon session. Verstappen, one of only two drivers to complete both sessions, set a lap time that was over 1.1 seconds faster than Lando Norris, who finished the first day of testing in second place. The impressive lap left race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase amused in the Red Bull garage and serves as a warning to the rest of the field.
Max Verstappen has surpassed Lewis Hamilton once again following his victory at the Emilia Romagna GP. These two drivers have been the most prominent figures in Formula 1...
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