OK, this is really cool. To bad a team like McLaren didn't come up with it though. Ferrari is not going to be pleased. I can just picture Horner's expression seeing this...
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OK, this is really cool. To bad a team like McLaren didn't come up with it though. Ferrari is not going to be pleased. I can just picture Horner's expression seeing this...
I just saw that and wow...that is definitely not legal...but it is very cool. It's clearly changing the suspension under motion as the tires increase/decrease the toe angle. I'm just scratching my brain trying to figure out how they do it.
I just saw that and wow...that is definitely not legal...but it is very cool. It's clearly changing the suspension under motion as the tires increase/decrease the toe angle. I'm just scratching my brain trying to figure out how they do it.
I dunno, form the article:
Quote:
That said, Mercedes has claimed that the FIA is fully aware of its dual-axis steering system, as per Autosport. Does that mean that the FIA is okay with it? We don’t know quite yet, but it sounds like it. Mercedes’s technical chief James Allison says that the system fully complies with all the regulations, that the team had worked closely with the FIA to make sure everything was kosher.
I giggle at a German company saying something technical like this is kosher.
I was just reading about this on Motorsport. Fascinating stuff. And people complain the cars and designs aren’t cutting edge anymore and won’t be with the new regs. This is ####ing crazy!
I think all teams "check-in" with the FIA on advancements like this. Pretty sure Ferrari did it with their engines last year. If IIRC they will let you test it etc but won't commit until they issue a technical directive on whatever your testing.
I'm guessing that the driver pushing/pulling the wheel will actually move the rack and pinion which then moves the tie-rods. This then toes in/out the wheel a set amount. That, IMO, is changing both aerodynamics (air flow over the tire) and suspension (toe angle) under motion. Will certainly be interesting to see if legal.
So I read that motorsport article. I still don't like it. It is a grey area between suspension and steering components and being able to change steering only (in multi axis and at different rates). But...they're still changing the toe angle, which is absolutely a suspension variable (and steering, and arguably aerodynamic as well).
So I think Merc will run with it in Oz and someone will protest for sure. That then forces the FIA to make a concrete decision.
I'd love to hear how much they think it'll help. I think their goal is improving high speed corners and straight-line speed.
So I read that motorsport article. I still don't like it. It is a grey area between suspension and steering components and being able to change steering only (in multi axis and at different rates). But...they're still changing the toe angle, which is absolutely a suspension variable (and steering, and arguably aerodynamic as well).
So I think Merc will run with it in Oz and someone will protest for sure. That then forces the FIA to make a concrete decision.
I'd love to hear how much they think it'll help. I think their goal is improving high speed corners and straight-line speed.
I say good on them for trying. Best team in the sport is continuing to innovate.
So what about the 2020 Racing Point design? I guess if you're going to copy someone it may as well be the class of the field. I'm actually surprised it took them this long to down this path like Haas and Alpha have done in years past.
So I read that motorsport article. I still don't like it. It is a grey area between suspension and steering components and being able to change steering only (in multi axis and at different rates). But...they're still changing the toe angle, which is absolutely a suspension variable (and steering, and arguably aerodynamic as well).
So I think Merc will run with it in Oz and someone will protest for sure. That then forces the FIA to make a concrete decision.
I'd love to hear how much they think it'll help. I think their goal is improving high speed corners and straight-line speed.
I had read one of the benefits is by straightening the wheels on the straights they reduce tire wear, which makes sense. It cold also be used to increase friction and warm up the tires quicker.
I'm not convinced toe angle is suspension, or that it would be considered an aero part. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they get to keep it. I kinda think they should. Bizarre innovation like this is what keeps the cars interesting.
I would agree that Toe really is a steering variable not a suspension variable.
Very innovative idea. I too hope they get to keep it but i am sure it will be protested by the other teams to give them a chance to try and come up with their own version.
It requires all 10 teams’ approval to make a mid season change. No way this is going anywhere before 2021.
As of 2021 tho not only is this already banned but changes require a unanimous vote minus 1 team. So this type of thing will become much easier to fix in the future.
I think that's the grey area, toe will definitely change how the car handles and steers. It increases/decreases the frontal surface area which changes drag and aero flow over the tire and subsequently barge boards/side pods. It also changes the contact patch (tire wear). It doesn't need to change very much but these teams are chasing 0.01s...
But is doesn't change any of the shape, length, connection points to the suspension.
It truly is brilliant, dont get me wrong. It is one of the few times we get to see such incredible innovation so clearly. The f-duct was also cool. Lol.
@Cecil...I think that 10 team approval is for a rule change only, correct?? I think this change just needs a protest under a race and to have a steward agree with the protest. How is it already banned in 2021, did they say no moveable steering linkage?
I also read that Merc could totally be playing headgames with the rest of the paddock. They could be running it anyways to completely distract the other teams. If thats the case, that is also awesome. #intrigue
A new Article 10.5 of F1's Technical Regulations states: "The re-alignment of the steered wheels, as defined by the position of the inboard attachment of the relevant suspensions members that remain a fixed distance from each other, must be uniquely defined by a monotonic function of the rotational position of a single steering wheel."
I think I'm coming around to it. It really is no different than changing the brake bias, through the steering wheel. That changes how the car will rotate through a corner as a result of the change. The changes to aero + suspension will change with the toe as a result of changing the steering angle of each wheel.