Del Boy wrote: ↑06 Aug 2018, 17:42
godlameroso wrote: ↑06 Aug 2018, 15:20
RonDennis wrote: ↑06 Aug 2018, 13:09
Running more wing could be a solution for a lack of mechnical grip. They're having problems at lower speeds, which suggests they lack mechnical grip as well.
Mechanical grip, in other words grip provided by the suspension and the mechanical aspects of the car isn't and hasn't been the problem. It's getting the aero to work at lower speeds, they can't with their current setup so they have no low speed grip. Let's say for ships and giggles that the Red Bull makes between 5-10kg more downforce below 100km/h than the McLaren, and 15kg more downforce at 120km/h, and 30kg more at 140km/h, then 20kg more at 160km/h and between 180-220 the downforce is a wash, but after 220 the McLaren has more drag because it has to run higher wing angles to make up for the downforce deficit in low speeds(because that's where you gain and lose the most time).
If you're losing .3 seconds in the slow stuff because your downforce isn't kicking in yet, while another car is already making useful downforce you're going to get dusted. But you could be right, and it's just a platform issue.
Surely the aerodynamic part that is not working is the rear diffuser, that's the holy grail of downforce because its comes drag free (apart from a small amount of friction and tyre resistance).
Mostly true I suppose, it also has to do with how air is conditioned upstream. You're guiding air along the whole length of the car, and there are various flow structures that have to interact with the body work while maintaining their integrity. Something they're doing is limiting the onset and stability of their intended flow structures, I apologize for lack of specific terms as I don't know all the details, just the effects. It's similar to the problems Williams is having, albeit not as severe, and the car is still good in other ways, enough to be firmly in the mid field. I'm certain when they get their issues sorted out the car will be much better, will it win, probably not, but it'll definitely be closer to the front.
Another wasted season, but that's the price you pay to set things right, a lot of this was self imposed and a long time coming.