This forum contains threads to discuss teams themselves. Anything not technical about the cars, including restructuring, performances etc belongs here.
2s behind the Cadillac is embarassing...
Top speed in the speed trap in FP2 according to https://formula-timer.com/livetiming was 297 and 300, with Hamilton at 337 (probably a tow) and most of the others around 309-315.
Best speed across the finish line is 207, 10kph behind the next slowest, and Hadjar at 225.
I wonder what the B-spec car will look like with the wild performance gains they are hoping for.
I've read/seen several recent interviews with Newey. My impression after listening to him is that the team had an inadequate organization for what they were aiming for; that the aerodynamic design was pressured by the rush and he chose something 'basic' instead of something revolutionary; that they designed the chassis without going into much detail due to lack of time and that the excess weight is concentrated there; that the rear suspension will be slightly redesigned; that last year he was in poor health and that the Honda engine has a deficit of +/- 50kW (he doesn't say this himself, it's a comment from journalists).
I didn't expect such disorganization from the start, I thought they had developed the project privately before signing Newey.
I think it's good that they 'quiet' the rear part. There are a few causes of vibrations: the gearbox that serves as support, the suspension... Better to separate things a bit to better distinguish what's really happening.
The engine depends on Honda. It's another thing entirely for everything surrounding the gasoline engine. And its assembly.
The weight, taking the explanation into account, is supposed to be relatively easy to lighten. Although we'll have to see what happens with vibrations then.
He also says that the wind tunnel systems still don't have enough data. This makes more sense and is perfectly understandable.
I don't think they'll suddenly find 2 lost seconds. Only if they use magic and every modification clearly improves the car's performance. It could be because they're in a big mess, if they understand the root of the problem and if Honda finds 50kW somewhere (if they don't, the project would be limited again), then maybe they could move out of the back of the grid.
Anyway, seeing the new car in Hungary will have all my attention, of course. Let's see how it goes...
Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.
I think it's good that they 'quiet' the rear part. There are a few causes of vibrations: the gearbox that serves as support, the suspension... Better to separate things a bit to better distinguish what's really happening.
if you have a quote from somebody at the team that says the rear suspension or the gearbox was causing the vibrations then post it.. im pretty sure that honda found out what the vibrations were caused by about 2 months ago and havent told a soul. repeating stuff over and over doesnt make it true, it just makes it sound like somebody important once said it. but that didnt happen.
I think it's good that they 'quiet' the rear part. There are a few causes of vibrations: the gearbox that serves as support, the suspension... Better to separate things a bit to better distinguish what's really happening.
No idea what you mean by "quiet". Or how is the gearbox and the suspension supposed to cause the vibrations.
that the aerodynamic design was pressured by the rush and he chose something 'basic' instead of something revolutionary;
Actually their packaging seems to be the most aggressive. With the backside being as narrow as the cockpit, with only the radiator sticking out.
But he did say allude to it being easy to add volume and go towards whatever other direction if your car is slim.
I also understood at the beginning of the season that the car's aerodynamic design was radical. And that the rear was revolutionary with the suspension attached to the gearbox cassette and a spectacular rake. And blah-blah-blah.
Now, with the season well underway and some awful results, problems that no one imagined during the car's pompous presentation are starting to show up. Back then, a "certain delay" was acknowledged due to changes of opinions regarding the engine components and—of course—because of such a radical and revolutionary design.
Until now, I hadn't heard Newey talk about his health. Yes, he had had some illness that seemed mild. But now we're talking about almost a year dealing with an unknown ailment that can't be just a cold. It's also the first time I hear him say that things were done in a rush.They used concepts that were as consistent and proven as possible to save time above all. Leaving aside more innovative solutions. Because they were in a hurry.
They came up with the idea of making their own gearbox. Something they should have done earlier, with the MB engines just like McLaren did. It seemed simple, but the famous vibrations appeared, which I'm still not clear where they come from. Whether from a particular component or from the interaction of several elements.
The car is a lemon. They knew it from the first day of testing. The engine is another lemon, for now. The chassis was built almost clumsily due to the rush, which is why they think that if they do it more carefully, they won’t have problems with the weight. The rear suspension will also be revised. Apparently, almost the only thing that will remain are the front wings.
Calming the rear refers to the fact that most problems seem to be there: engines, gearbox, suspension, wing, and a peculiar rake.
It seems normal to me that they don't air their problems. It's not smart to hand out information. But this current season has been a disaster for AM, and that's undeniable. I've been waiting since the start for a strong response, a radical improvement in the car, for them to find the right touch. That hasn't happened, and I think now the details that caused this mess will gradually come to light as we watch the changes they make. I really don't understand how they could have done things so badly given who they are, and I'm mainly talking about Newey. The situation has been too much for him. He might have been sick, but I would never have imagined the current situation. They've acted, in my opinion, with a great lack of professionalism so far.
There's one more thing: the work in the pits doesn't seem to have improved either. I'm not talking about strategies, since with this car those are somewhat unattainable. I'm talking about the simple pit stops to change tires. I miss the team's excitement from 2023.
I hope that from Hungary the results improve, evidently. It's my only hope. I hope they help me forget the current disappointment, which has actually been something constant since 2024.
Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.
