P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Aston Martin tweak that confirms a key part of the Mercedes F1 revolution
Mercedes technical director James Allison has been leading a major overhaul of the team’s Formula 1 car, recognizing that their previous approach was not successful. Team boss Toto Wolff stated that almost every component of the car is being changed in the hope of gaining an advantage. Although the full extent of the revisions will only be known during testing, one confirmed change is the adoption of a push-rod rear suspension, similar to what Aston Martin has done with their new car. Aston Martin receives their gearbox and rear suspension from Mercedes as a customer team, so the decision made by Aston Martin gives some insight into Mercedes’ plans. While having a push-rod rear suspension has weight and center-of-gravity implications, it allows for better airflow manipulation in the coke bottle region and diffuser area, resulting in increased downforce. Williams, another team supplied by Mercedes, will also be taking this suspension direction. Details regarding their changes will be revealed in Bahrain.
