STICKING TO SEGMENTATION
Mercedes’ aero philosophy of segmentation has also been retained on the W08. Interestingly it no longer applies to the bargeboard, which was the prime example of the saw-tooth trend last year. The 2017-spec bargeboard is a single element, though it is serrated on the outer edge. That said, the design is likely to evolve as the season unfolds.
The turning vanes, however, have been split into four vertical elements and seven horizontal parts. In a similar vein, the sidepod vane now consists of three elements that spring forth to help guide the airflow.
As a reminder, serrated surfaces generate vortices. These bring more energy to the airflow (thus preventing airflow separation), but they also create drag, which will add up to the extra amount from Pirelli’s wider products.
In other words, sticking to an aero philosophy of segmentation can only pay dividends with a powerful engine. Mind you, Mercedes has not been too shabby in that area since 2014.
