Max Verstappen might spend more time on track instead of the gravel trap this race:

The RBR design seemed more efficient than the Ferrari model.

The rotation of the RBR wing seemed to be less disruptive [to my non-aerodynamicist brain'] and a more efficient movement, scooping rearward vs the Ferrari flipping forward.
Will be curious if they suffer less straight line speed without that huge tunnel created with the wing inverted.

It may be, but it gets outweighed by causing an aero inbalance if it snaps shut to close to a turn and causes a crash in multiple races. So far Max seems faster without it.

From what I’ve read, the big difference is that on the Ferrari, the actuators are on the end plates, and also the airflow helps them to close. On the RBR, they have a center actuator, plus it has to work against the airflow to close.

Based on the FP1 and 2 results, it doesn’t seem like going back to the conventional wing is hurting RBR any.

I haven't started my Spa weekend yet
Good points above, and makes sense.

quote:

Originally posted by Dwill104:
From what I’ve read, the big difference is that on the Ferrari, the actuators are on the end plates, and also the airflow helps them to close. On the RBR, they have a center actuator, plus it has to work against the airflow to close.

Based on the FP1 and 2 results, it doesn’t seem like going back to the conventional wing is hurting RBR any.

The other thing about the Ferrari wing is it moves slower opposed to the Red Bull version that snaps open and shut. It probably changes the aero balance more gradually instead of snapping open and closed in an instant, but I only stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:

quote:

Originally posted by Dwill104:
From what I’ve read, the big difference is that on the Ferrari, the actuators are on the end plates, and also the airflow helps them to close. On the RBR, they have a center actuator, plus it has to work against the airflow to close.

Based on the FP1 and 2 results, it doesn’t seem like going back to the conventional wing is hurting RBR any.

The other thing about the Ferrari wing is it moves slower opposed to the Red Bull version that snaps open and shut. It probably changes the aero balance more gradually instead of snapping open and closed in an instant, but I only stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

I'd think the fast actuation would be a benefit, but yeah, I guess that could introduce some instability from snap downforce changes, differently to the other more DRS-like actuations.

Antonelli on pole again with Verstappen behind him. It's also that time of year when engine penalties start popping up. While both Aston Martin drivers are helpless and starting last anyway, who cares? However, Isack Hadjar and Lando Norris are both copping 10 place penalties because of earlier reliability issues. Lando drops from 3rd to 13th after his new Mercedes had much more power than the older engine and Hadjar drops to the back for a 5th engine, turbo, and exhaust. At that point, he might as well start from pit lane.

Decent race.
I thought Leclerc got away with one and Hamilton got screwed.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
Decent race.
I thought Leclerc got away with one and Hamilton got screwed.

Yep. Even Russell thought it was just a racing incident.

Lot's of talk on the various F1 forums about the foolishness of the current rules.
Apparently the cars couldn't deploy at all in sector two, making several corners just easy flat out bends now.
The lack of larger fuel tanks makes changing the power ratio back towards the conventional PU not doable without refueling.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
Lot's of talk on the various F1 forums about the foolishness of the current rules.
Apparently the cars couldn't deploy at all in sector two, making several corners just easy flat out bends now.
The lack of larger fuel tanks makes changing the power ratio back towards the conventional PU not doable without refueling.

And the derating from Blanchimont to the bus stop
Even saw Lewis downshift to 7th to keep speed up before braking for the chicane.

I'm betting it'll be even worse in Baku with that monstrously long front 'straight'.

IIRC, they're upping the fuel flow limit, so they're going to have to up the fuel capacity or teams will still restrict the max RPM to avoid running out of fuel.
Can't remember the last time a car DNF for running out of fuel.

quote:

Can't remember the last time a car DNF for running out of fuel.

The size of the space in the tub to carry the fuel is the limiting factor now.
Hopefully they'll be able to address that over the winter if they decide quickly to allow more fuel and combustion PU's to produce a larger percentage of the horsepower.

Yes, Baku should be interesting if a full battery won't allow to go full throttle the length of those long straights.

Almost feel bad for Alonso with how abysmal the AMR is.
Bottas was about to be lapped, and Alonso was over a minute behind Bottas.

Cadillac & AMR, almost like another class on the track. Hoping they can both make some improvements before the end of the season.

quote:

Almost feel bad for Alonso with how abysmal the AMR is.

I believe they're supposed to finally have the big AMR & Honda update at the next race.
Lets hope it's really big and successful.

Hungary, much less of a power sensitive track, maybe they'll be on pace with Cadillac & fight to avoid being last

AMR will have their first heavily updated car but the engine will be one more race before it has the big update.
Hungary should be one of the easier tracks from the PU standpoint but apparently that's also a big part of what they're lacking.

Have seen speculation at 3 seconds/lap improvement with the B-Spec AMR.

Given they're somewhere around 4-5 sec/lap in deficit right now, it would put them at the tail of the midfield or right around Cadillac.

Colton Herta should get some practice time this weekend.

When AM sees marginal improvement in real world, will be interesting to see Lawrence's continued enthusiasm.