P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes goes aggressive with rear wing tweak for Saudi Arabia
The high-speed track in Jeddah necessitates a different aerodynamic setup compared to Bahrain, with lower downforce and reduced drag being crucial objectives for teams.
Mercedes took a more aggressive approach with their rear wing design, notably lifting and widening the central portion of the mainplane, resulting in a more abrupt transition into the endplate.
The team also made adjustments to the upper flap, including a large semi-circular notch for better flow management, influenced by the overall reduction in camber, chord, and angle of attack.
Red Bull and Aston Martin both utilized V-shaped notches in their rear wing designs for better downforce and drag control, a feature that has been consistent for these teams throughout the regulation phase.
Ferrari, on the other hand, opted for a semi-circular notch in certain stages of their 2023 campaign, potentially impacting Mercedes’ decision to follow a similar design approach for the Jeddah race.
McLaren also introduced a new rear wing layout for the race, featuring a more semi-circular design akin to Mercedes’ adaptation for the high-speed circuit.
