Mercedes are introducing a new gearbox in their 2024, which will also be featured on Aston Martin’s AMR24. This update could bring much-needed benefits to both teams in this year’s campaign.
At the beginning of last season, Aston Martin found itself to be the closest challenger to Red Bull. Fernando Alonso capitalised on this performance, securing six podiums from the first eight weekends.
From early in the season:
“ The Mercedes specification is bulkier in the area closest to the floor, which limits airflow through the AMR23’s diffuser. This area is designed for a car with ultra-compact bodywork like the W14, as seen with the Mercedes ‘zeropods.’
Having a less efficient diffuser means the AMR23 needs more rear wing to compensate, which generates more drag.”
https://formu1a.uno/en/how-the-mercedes-gearbox-has-slowed-down-aston-martin/
Thanks a lot!
So very likely an aero change as they move away from the zero pod and on to whatever concept they’ve decided is better.