The Red Bull generated far more downforce independently from the wing that it did not need as much wing to make more downforce, that's why it was able to use its DRS in places that the McLaren could not. It was more aerodynamically efficient (meaning it generated more downforce for the same amount ...

Let's assume that it is just as simple as making the engine run leaner (which given how on the edge a F1 engine is shouldn't be assumed) - 15kg is 10% of the fuel load that the cars burn in a race. The Renault engine is only around 20-30bhp down on the Merc unit, which is around 4% less power. That...

Let's assume that it is just as simple as making the engine run leaner (which given how on the edge a F1 engine is shouldn't be assumed) - 15kg is 10% of the fuel load that the cars burn in a race. The Renault engine is only around 20-30bhp down on the Merc unit, which is around 4% less power. That...

It's been a long time since a team has put out a WDC/WCC winning car that wasn't quick straight out of the box, so you can say "cut them some slack" and that they'll have a winning later in the season, it doesn't bode well for their chances at either championship. 2011 - RBR quick from race 1 2010 ...

I suggest you look at Silverstone 2011 and see how detrimental running a lower fuel load was to Hamilton's race. The optimal race strategy for a McLaren Mercedes is to start with 15 kilos more fuel than the optimal race strategy is for the Red Bull Renault. This gives the Red Bull an advantage at t...

I am sorry, but in this Universe it works the other way around. The reason he could start with 15kg less fuel is because the Renault engine was more fuel efficient than the Mercedes. He would have only had about 1 kilo less fuel in qualifying because they only needed the fuel to do three laps. Refu...

15 kg lighter only helps in quali... in the race, refueling is banned. So Vettel was at a tremendous disadvantage too, which many conveniently forget to highlight. Those are all design decisions which will help with ballast and thereby improved weight distribution. However, qualifying on pole doesn'...

Actually, the difference is much harder to predict as of now... Why? - Chassis is being tweaked for maximum performance by each team, but we can't tell who's good and how much until we see them do times in anger. - Fuel load information is vital to make any guesstimates, and no team will share it wi...

All this still doesn't answer my question. I suspect the OP has the same one. Why not fill out the step now and make it smoother? Why have an abrupt step instead of smoothly rising up? This has nothing to do with underbody aero anymore right? Here is a diagram that explains it. Basically there is n...

It worked for them last year. Also due to their design, McLaren has their drivers lower in the cockpit, thus they also have a lower center of gravity compared to the other cars on the grid and is much more stable under braking, meaning that they could brake later and still have a stable car I would...

I remember reading that underflow is important in order to create down-force (negative lift). However, one must remember that it is not just a single part, but the sum total of the parts, the car, it must come together and work well. Each piece may work very well individually, but if they can't get ...

I wonder if RB8 is RBR's MP4-18. Well, it is the same designer... It will be nice to see Vettel do a third. Hope Webbo gives him some fight. On the other hand, if Macca is good, i pray to see Button win, and win a lot more than his team-mate. I also hope that Ferrari can challenge for race-wins, and...