Giorgio Piola's F1 technical analysis
Aston Martin reveals F1 mirror upgrade for Bahrain test
The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has adopted a new wing mirror design for the second pre-season test in Bahrain, with the new configuration given its first run-out on Wednesday.
The new design appears to be influenced by those already seen elsewhere, whereby the outermost mirror stay (red arrow) acts as a flow conditioner that helps to reinforce the outwash being created by the angular bluff body of the sidepod below.
Meanwhile, the other ‘mirror stay’ also serves as an aerodynamic appendage (blue arrow), framing the main wing mirror body in order to smooth the airflow’s transit around it.
It’s unclear if these were planned upgrades, or simply a function of Aston Martin monitoring its rivals and quickly assimilating the design to suit its own needs.
Such rapid appropriation has already been adopted by Aston Martin's rivals, with Ferrari moving to copy the AMR22's double splitter winglet and snowplow seen at its launch. Ferrari had a workable version for its own launch just a week later, having put the solution through the rigours of CFD and the windtunnel before manufacturing a physical version.
Aston Martin's new wing mirror and stalk design bares a striking resemblance to the Mercedes, with its sidepod skirt-stay the most obvious aspect shared between the two.
The W13 also features a winglet-like surround for the mirror body, albeit one that wraps around the top edge, rather than the bottom of the assembly.
The Bahrain tests will be the first on-track running overseen by new Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack, who officially joined the team from BMW last week to replace Otmar Szafnauer.
Speaking in a media briefing, Krack said the first test in Barcelona had been "a success" despite suffering some "hiccups", which included a fire caused by an oil leak while Sebastian Vettel was at the wheel on the final day.
The first test in Barcelona wasn't plain-sailing for Aston Martin
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
The team completed the sixth-highest tally of laps in Barcelona.
"For Bahrain obviously, we have analysed what happened in terms of the new regs, in terms of tyres in terms also our new structure, because we have already made quite a lot of adjustments even before my time," he said.
"Bahrain will be a matter of bringing updates to some of the stuff we have learned.
"Obviously, the time in between is not not very, very long. Plus, you have all the logistics to get everything down to Bahrain.
"But we're working hard to bring some improvements to the car from what we have learned."
Related video
Could Mercedes introduce radical 'zeropod' F1 design?
Lewis Hamilton to be subject of new documentary on Apple TV+
Why WTR Acura lacked pace to beat MSR in Daytona 24 showdown
Filipe Albuquerque admits that he knew it would be a tall order for Wayne Taylor Racing to overcome sister Acura squad Meyer Shank Racing in last weekend's Daytona 24 Hours.
How MSR took Acura to the first win of sportscar racing's new era
After much anticipation, the new dawn for sportscar racing got underway with a result that mirrored last year's IMSA SportsCar Championship's season-opener run to the previous DPi rules. Here's how Acura once again took top honours in the Daytona 24 Hours with a 1-2 led by Meyer Shank Racing, as the new GTP class for LMDh hybrid prototypes made its bow
Alonso's pushy trait a boost for me in 2023 F1 season, says Stroll
Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll says Fernando Alonso's pushy nature will be a boost to both him and the squad this year.
Porsche aims to “learn quick” from Daytona 24 Hours disappointment
Porsche’s director of factory racing Urs Kuratle says his team will gain valuable answers from its disappointing results in the Daytona 24 Hours.
Who were the fastest drivers in F1 2022?
Who was the fastest driver in 2022? Everyone has an opinion, but what does the stopwatch say? Obviously, differing car performance has an effect on ultimate laptime – but it’s the relative speed of each car/driver package that’s fascinating and enlightening says ALEX KALINAUCKAS
Why F1's nearly man is refreshed and ready for his return
He has more starts without a podium than anyone else in Formula 1 world championship history, but Nico Hulkenberg is back for one more shot with Haas. After spending three years on the sidelines, the revitalised German is aiming to prove to his new team what the F1 grid has been missing
The potential-laden F1 car that Ferrari neglected
The late Mauro Forghieri played a key role in Ferrari’s mid-1960s turnaround, says STUART CODLING, and his pretty, intricate 1512 was among the most evocative cars of the 1.5-litre era. But a victim of priorities as Formula 1 was deemed less lucrative than success in sportscars, its true potential was never seen in period
Why Vasseur relishes 'feeling the pressure' as Ferrari's F1 boss
OPINION: Fred Vasseur has spent only a few weeks as team principal for the Ferrari Formula 1 team, but is already intent on taking the Scuderia back to the very top. And despite it being arguably the most demanding job in motorsport, the Frenchman is relishing the challenge
The crucial tech changes F1 teams must adapt to in 2023
Changes to the regulations for season two of Formula 1's ground-effects era aim to smooth out last year’s troubles and shut down loopholes. But what areas have been targeted, and what impact will this have?
Are these the 50 quickest drivers in F1 history?
Who are the quickest drivers in Formula 1 history? LUKE SMITH asked a jury of experienced and international panel of experts and F1 insiders. Some of them have worked closely with F1’s fastest-ever drivers – so who better to vote on our all-time top 50? We’re talking all-out speed here rather than size of trophy cabinet, so the results may surprise you…
One easy way the FIA could instantly improve F1
OPINION: During what is traditionally a very quiet time of year in the Formula 1 news cycle, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been generating headlines. He’s been commenting on massive topics in a championship that loves them, but also addressing necessary smaller changes too. Here we suggest a further refinement that would be a big boon to fans
How can McLaren keep hold of Norris?
Lando Norris is no longer the young cheeky-chappy at McLaren; he’s now the established ace. And F1's big guns will come calling if the team can’t give him a competitive car. Here's what the team needs to do to retain its prize asset
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.