Mercedes W13

[SiLo]

Reliability upgrades are possible. If you're running your ICE slightly below its power level because of a reliability issue, sorting that issue would bring performance and would be legal.

Do reliability upgrades not have to be warranted though? As in there has been a number of problems with xyz component or the engine has failed in the same way a couple times

I've no idea, but the teams are well versed in gaming the rules so if they can, they will.

Generally they will introduce the PU and then just run it at a lower power output initially. Their "reliability" upgrades are then focused on being able to run the engine at a higher ceiling for longer. They just have to provide evidence that the part they are replacing has a shorter lifespan basically.

So the PU's are not exactly frozen per say, it just vastly limits their spending on it. Otherwise they could also research entirely new engine architectures and change many other things that cost a lot more money.

[w1Y]

I have been wondering what this supposed secret update will be.

External aero: well that will be visible so doesn't fit the rumour of it being hidden.

Suspension: is it really easy to hide the suspension given the open garage rules?

Floor: I imagine a floor upgrade is a definate but again is it really hidden.

PU: I was wondering whether this is it. Whether they can be run more efficiently, carty less fuel but without a power loss. Or simply reliability upgrades that allows for higher for longer running.

Weight: not sure what the current situation is with Merc but a significant weight reduction could also be the hidden upgrade.

All of the above. I guess the problem if is that if its hidden then they are unlikely to openly talk about what it is and we will be left on the dark if we see a relative performance improvement

[organic]

[prox]

They have just turned the W13 into a BMW M4

[ScrewCaptain27]

They really are too similar to BMW grilles for it to be just a coincidence. Neat little inside joke IMO.

[saviour stivala]

Do reliability upgrades not have to be warranted though? As in there has been a number of problems with xyz component or the engine has failed in the same way a couple times

I've no idea, but the teams are well versed in gaming the rules so if they can, they will.

Generally they will introduce the PU and then just run it at a lower power output initially. Their "reliability" upgrades are then focused on being able to run the engine at a higher ceiling for longer. They just have to provide evidence that the part they are replacing has a shorter lifespan basically.

So the PU's are not exactly frozen per say, it just vastly limits their spending on it. Otherwise they could also research entirely new engine architectures and change many other things that cost a lot more money.

Power unit (ICE part of the power unit actually) specification as presented and homologated at start of season is locked, no matter the imagination of some on here. Reliability updates when permitted/approved will in no way change the homologated specification.

[atanatizante]

How reliable is the info in this video regarding the new Silverstone updates? (from 3:28 min onwards)





In addition, he/they said quoting Michael Smith from AMuS that in the next 2 races it`ll be minor upgrades targeted to the floor:





Then, there (don`t know either about the reliability of this info) is another video describing the new Silverstone updates further than the one discussed in the above video: (from 6:57 min onwards, something regarding a new bib wing, a modified angle of the front wheel ...)

[Goblin42]

New Driver cooling inlet on the Mercedes

[cplchanb]

New Driver cooling inlet on the Mercedes

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/ ... 110852.jpg

The nose profile also seems to have been changed too

[pursue_one's]

[SuperCNJ]

https://cdn-8.motorsport.com/images/mgl ... ison-1.jpg

I'm obviously not very good at "spot the difference"!

I can see the nostrils are bigger, but what's the difference where the white arrows are pointing? Thinner elements perhaps?

[Sevach]

https://cdn-8.motorsport.com/images/mgl ... ison-1.jpg

I'm obviously not very good at "spot the difference"!

I can see the nostrils are bigger, but what's the difference where the white arrows are pointing? Thinner elements perhaps?

Fairly sure the top arrow is pointing at a reflex.

[marvin78]

As far as I can see, the shape is the same.

[Mchamilton]

https://cdn-8.motorsport.com/images/mgl ... ison-1.jpg

It's the same, one is essentially back lit and 1 isnt

[El_KaPpa]