Logan Sargeant’s crash during FP3 in Barcelona exposed the floor of the Williams car, which was later loaded onto a truck. This incident followed similar accidents involving the Red Bull RB19 and Mercedes W14 in Monaco, where the undersides of their cars were revealed during the recovery process.
Upon comparing the Williams floor to those of other cars, particularly the intricate design of the Red Bull, it was apparent that the Williams floor lacked complexity. Vowles, speaking in a team video, noted that the rear angle of the pictures may have skewed the perception but conceded that the Williams floor is not as intricate as its competitors.
He clarified, “The photos taken of our floor this weekend, after Logan’s incident in FP3, have been compared to images of our competitors from a few weeks ago. It’s important to highlight that they can be somewhat misleading. They primarily focus on the rear diffuser ramp, unlike the other photos that emphasize the front and mid-floor, which allow for more detailed additions within the regulations.”
“Nonetheless,” Vowles admitted, “we are clearly lacking the level of detail exhibited by our competitors. However, one doesn’t need to inspect the underside of the floor to recognize this deficiency; it’s evident from our lap times.”
He explained that this discrepancy stems from a combination of balance characteristics, car performance, and downforce generation, with much of the downforce being generated by the floor.
Addressing the issue of copying other teams’ designs, Vowles emphasized that it is not a viable solution, as mere replication without understanding the underlying science and flow dynamics is insufficient for consistent development and improvement. While observing and learning from competitors can provide initial insights, it is crucial to comprehend the reasoning behind their design choices to advance one’s own understanding and progress.
Vowles added, “Moreover, what you see from a competitor is at least six to eight weeks old, and they have likely made further advancements since then.”
He stressed the importance of understanding why rival teams develop their floors in certain ways and how such knowledge can be applied to the present to enhance learning and performance. This continuous learning process is ongoing, but it is essential to avoid abandoning established methods and systems necessary for efficiently generating downforce specific to the team’s car.
“While we prioritize learning from others when necessary, we remain committed to our development cycle, which we know will gradually transform our car into a faster machine,” concluded Vowles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about F1 car floor design
What is the main focus of this text?
The main focus of this text is the admission by Vowles regarding the lack of detail in the Williams F1 car floor compared to its competitors, highlighting the importance of understanding and continuous development.
How does Vowles describe the Williams floor in comparison to other cars?
Vowles concedes that the Williams floor is not as complex as those of other cars, particularly when compared to the intricate design of the Red Bull.
Does Vowles believe copying other teams’ designs is a viable solution?
No, Vowles emphasizes that merely copying what is seen on other cars without understanding the underlying science and flow dynamics will not lead to consistent development and improvement.
What does Vowles consider when discussing the development of the car floor?
Vowles discusses the balance characteristics, car performance, and downforce generation, highlighting that much of the downforce is being generated by the floor.
How does Vowles emphasize the importance of understanding competitors’ designs?
Vowles stresses the need to comprehend why rival teams develop their floors in certain ways and to apply that knowledge to advance the team’s own learning and understanding.
What is Vowles’ stance on continuous development?
Vowles emphasizes the team’s commitment to their development cycle, ensuring that they consistently improve and build a faster car, while also learning from others when necessary.
More about F1 car floor design
- Red Bull says “ignorant copy” of floor design is no help to F1 rivals
- Stella: “Hats off to Red Bull” for complex F1 floor design
- Mercedes F1 aerodynamicists analysing “nice clutch” of Red Bull floor images
