#AMuS reports that apparently the ground clearance of the RB19 is at least 10 millimetres below everyone else [based on what Mercedes observed]. And despite that, still no bouncing issues.
Toto says their floor would break if they would do the same.
#AMuS Driving with a lower ride height makes you generate a lot of downforce and in Red Bull's case, it‘s especially evident in the acceleration phases.
Toto Wolff: "The traction [of the RB19] is breathtaking."
#AMuS Another car with similar characteristics as the RB19 is the AMR23. Mercedes engineers claim to have noticed that the AMR23 drives at a lower ride height too, and despite that, gets over the bumps well. It is also strong on corner exit.
#AMuS The comparison with Aston Martin is interesting for Mercedes because they supply Aston Martin with the engine, gearbox and rear suspension.
Aston Martin only makes the front axle, which could indicate that this is where both the secret of Red Bull and Aston Martin lie.
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#Gazzetta FERRARI: The 066/7 PU (Ferrari) had shown serious reliability problems last year, especially at the turbocharger & MGU-H level, problems that were apparently induced by a not always effective functioning of the TJI (Turbulent Jet Ignition) system.
#Gazzetta Last year Ferrari were forced to reduce the power due to these reliability issues.
It seems that solving this problem would give Ferrari a power increase of almost 30hp. That would be quite a big step forward.
#AMuS There is reportedly disagreement between the FIA and Red Bull on several points [minor budget cap breach]. FIA interprets some of the items cited differently, they include them in the budget cap & Red Bull didn‘t.
#AMuS One of talking points are said to be salaries in case of illness. Red Bull is said to have suspended them, thus not included them in the budget cap.
The FIA is including them.
#AMuS Another talking point: the top 3 earners of each team are excluded from the budget cap.
#AMuS Paddock rumors say that already in the first year (2021) of the budget cap, two teams exceeded the $147.4 million limit. One of them to a considerable extent. The rumour in the paddock is that the two teams are Red Bull and Aston Martin.
#AMuS Mercedes & Ferrari are told that an extra 5 million dollars in development can be the equivalent of up to half a second on the track. Those who are above the 5 million will have to reckon with harsher penalties. Possibly a points deduction and demotion in the championship.
#AMuS Another option is that the money will be deducted from the budget cap in the following year.
Mercedes and Ferrari think this is questionable. According to their calculations, Red Bull not only exceeded the limit in 2021, but also this season.
#AMuS reports that the FIA is taking the porpoising concerns with the new cars serious. Rumors in the paddock say the the FIA wants to launch an investigation to get to the bottom of the matter. The FIA is seeking talks with the drivers & the technical directors.
#AMuS The FIA is said to want to get a comprehensive picture, consult specialists and gather data from other racing series. For example, from rallying, where the drivers don't drive on perfectly flat tracks either, but where the speeds are lower.
#AMuS Toto Wolff has said that all the drivers are in agreement regarding the porpoising.
You hear the opposite from the drivers' meetings. Only 3 drivers are said to have been really critical. Hamilton is not one of them. Russell & Sainz seem concerned.
A little summary from the #AMuS episode after Imola:
• In Melbourne, Ferrari had the advantage that they still had since the beginning of the season.
With the Imola upgrade + weight reduction of the RB18, Schmidt believes that Red Bull has a slight advantage now.
• Binotto told Schmidt that Ferrari also need to fix the issue with the bouncing. Binotto said that every change before completely understanding the issue (even though it doesn’t cost Ferrari too much lap time) could go in the wrong direction.
• Red Bull is in a different position here. They don’t have the bouncing issue, and with the knowledge of not having it, they can develop the car more freely.
Schmidt believes that the balance of power can shift between Ferrari and Red Bull from race to race.
Lando: "If I wanna be like George I'd say I had like the 7th fastest car."
Max: "You should say it‘s all the driver mate."
Lando: "It is."
Max: "I think you had the worst car of the field."
Lando: "I think we are 9th or 10th."
😅
Lando: "My driving this weekend has been pretty amazing."
Max: "I agree."
Lando: "He agrees."
Max: "This will be a nice headline (laughs)."
Lando: "Idk it‘s difficult to say. It changes every weekend. The Mercedes wasn‘t this bad this weekend, we probably were still quicker throughout. The Alfa Romeo was maybe quicker, just couldn‘t get pass George."