Aston Martin adopts key Mercedes upgrades for the AMR24 following Lewis Hamilton’s recommendations.
In a significant move for the 2024 Formula 1 season, Aston Martin will be implementing key upgrades from Mercedes, aligning with requests made to the team by star driver Lewis Hamilton. These changes aim to enhance performance, confidence in the car, and address previous challenges faced by the team.
Key Takeaways:
Revolutionary Design Shift: The new W15 design from Mercedes marks a stark departure from the previous models. James Allison, the technical head, has moved away from the zeropod design of his predecessor, Mike Elliot. This redesign is expected to change the driving experience, addressing Hamilton’s concerns about the feel of the car’s front axle and high drag.
Aston Martin’s Adaptations: Following Mercedes’ lead, Aston Martin will receive these changes on the AMR24, including shortening the transmission box and reshaping of the rear area. These changes are intended to reduce the ‘porpoising’ effect at high speeds and improve overall aerodynamics.
Anticipated Performance Enhancements: Both teams, along with others in the F1 paddock, are optimistic about performance improvements. Simulations suggest a gain of half a second per lap. The real test will come during the pre-season tests in Bahrain, starting February 21.
The 2024 Formula 1 season will see Mercedes embarking on a daring path with the introduction of the revolutionary W15. The team is determined to avoid repeating their previous seasons’ setbacks and aims to surpass its competitors, including its powertrain customers McLaren and Aston Martin who, arguably, found better performance during the 2023 season.
Spearheaded by James Allison, the new design concept marks a significant shift from the prior zeropod models attributed to Mike Elliot. Insights from Motorsport Italia indicate that the new design will reposition the cabin as of Lewis Hamilton’s request after he admitted he lacked confidence because of his seating position over the front wheels.
But with these changes coming to Mercedes, Aston Martin is therefore set to inherit and integrate these upgrades into their AMR24. The design team at Brixworth has undertaken to shorten the grid’s previously longest transmission box. This adjustment, coupled with a more streamlined rear and repositioned radiator outlets, is expected to counteract the Mercedes’ problematic ‘porpoising’ at high speeds. They will be integrated onto the Silverstone team’s title contender this season.
The AMR24’s unveiling is scheduled for February 12, a day before Ferrari’s reveal and ahead of Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull’s presentations. This event will offer a first glimpse into the design changes coming to 2024.
The Bahrain pre-season tests will further shed light on the teams’ progress and the narrowing performance gaps due to stable technical regulations and design convergence. Let’s hope it’s an interesting year of racing.
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