P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ex-F1 technical director Gary Anderson has a theory about why the Mercedes is bouncing so badly again
Reading Lewis Hamilton’s statements in Mark Hughes’s analysis of Mercedes’ challenges at the Saudi Arabian GP highlights the root cause of his bouncing issue. Hamilton mentioned they have been unable to address the bouncing problem despite making changes, indicating the work Mercedes still needs to do to consistently challenge at the front of the grid. The hotter climate in Saudi Arabia exacerbated airflow separation problems for Mercedes, leading to difficulties in managing downforce. With ground effect cars generating a significant portion of their downforce from the underfloor, airflow separation management becomes critical in initial floor design. The temperature variances between FP3 and qualifying affected the car’s downforce production, altering the ride height and exacerbating the bouncing issue Hamilton experienced in qualifying. Comparing the design philosophies of Mercedes and Red Bull underfloors would likely reveal distinct strategies in managing airflow separation.
