Tzk wrote: ↑20 Mar 2022, 11:40
I'm also not sure if their car concept is by design a bit too draggy or if their setup compromise makes it draggy. They might be running a bit more ground clearance and try to recover the lost DF on the floor by using a bigger wing. That will probably make them suffer on the straights. So if they can fix and manage the bouncing, then they may be well in the mix.
The drag of a car doesn't change much with setup changes, for as long as all the elements that are capable of producing drag remain the same. Increased AoA of the wings or the ride height adds to drag, but not a great deal. A lot of overall aero refinement is needed to get back on terms of the other two competitors. If they haven't already known this fact that they have relatively more drag than their competitors, then it's going to take a long time. But if they quickly got a cue of this in Barcelona, then they have reduced some time. Still not going to be happening in a jiffy.
The problem is the upgrades in pipeline. If those upgrades are being built with the assumption that, they can afford a bit more drag for the sake of gaining performance, then it's going to add to pain. It's possible as they didn't know where they stand in the competition. If this is going to be the case, then they have to rethink if they want to bring those upgrades out. If the upgrades are adding performance by keeping the drag levels same, then it's a good thing. It would be absolutely great if the upgrades are adding performance and also lowering the drag levels. We don't know what the situation is as it all depends on if they have to go back to drawing board to relook at their drag levels. Their PU situation doesn't seem to be great for them to go ahead and add any upgrade that has potential to increase drag.
So far, their bigger problem is porpoising and they don't seem to have an idea of where the problem lies in their design. I am not sure if they have a way of knowing if the aero upgrades in the pipeline are going to add to the woes or help reduce them in this unforeseen problem. So this is the first priority. If they can simultaneously achieve aero upgrades and solving porpoising, then it's a good situation. But if they have to hold back upgrades until they figure out solution to porpoising, it's a problem. It's not an easy situation to be in.