2021 Winter Testing One

The regulations for 2021 introduced several small changes to the cars. The most significant is the narrowing of the chassis floor, which has the effect of reducing the inherent ground effect at the backend of the car. Consequently reducing effective downforce significantly. Every team has presented a new car with all sorts of gizmo to recover the lost downforce at the rear. The question really is, which chassis platform sufferers the most from the narrower floor? Do the rake cars benefit or suffer more than flat cars like the Mercedes?

I guess we shall find out at winter testing, which runs from March 12th to 14th. Is the narrow floor enough to cause a brawn effect with one car suddenly storming ahead of the familiar front runners?

The floor changes could have an impact, and with so many cars taking different approaches, it could shake things up more than we are expecting.

I'm looking forward to finding out which direction it all takes. I'm ready to see some cars on track!

Mercedes with gearbox problems. They have missed most of the mornings running. umm!

It is looking like a three days testing is optimistic for a proper preparation for a new season.

Verstappen leading the way so far with Norris and Ricardo coming in at #2 and #3.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by F1nKS

Verstappen leading the way so far with Norris and Ricardo coming in at #2 and #3.

---

Shocker for Mercedes! Aston Martin also a slow start but Stroll in fourth. The reduced spending seems to be showing at Mercedes or is it the lack of rake?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nitrodaze

Shocker for Mercedes! Aston Martin also a slow start but Stroll in fourth. The reduced spending seems to be showing at Mercedes or is it the lack of rake?

---

My guess is that Mercedes are working out their kinks and probably hiding a bit of their speed.
These cars, in terms of the powertrain and many components are pretty much the same as 2020.
Norris in the Mclaren was just .125 behind the RBR on Hards vs Verstappen's Mediums, and that's with the Mercedes engine etc bolted unto that car's chassis.
So i don't suspect there are any major issues with the Mercedes.
We'll see how they get on tomorrow and Sunday.

just a slightly insignificant point.
In watching the FOM timing on the screen and in the app, they got 3 teams with a blue icon next to the name which seems confusing. Why could they not make the Williams a yellow color. They already have it from Renault last year so it's not as if they gotta come up with something new. Just a mild annoyance with 3 blue icons

Mercedes is sand bagging.

Merc is well known for sandbagging, but with such limited testing this year they won't be able to do it for long!

I hope the track conditions improve, or we might all be guessing until the first race.