The group test that hints at a rule change in F1 2023

In fact, only four teams chose to bring new parts to a circuit that has very different demands than the two tracks that are next to it on the calendar.

But that didn’t stop Friday’s free practice session from offering a bit of technical intrigue, as a group test was held on behalf of the FIA .

This test followed the tests carried out by Red Bull in Hungary and by Mercedes in Belgium regarding the larger rear-view mirrors , which the governing body is studying to introduce from the next 2023 season and later to improve the safety of drivers. single-seaters of the highest category.

Rear-view mirrors have long been a problem in Formula 1, with aerodynamicists continually looking for ways to mitigate their detrimental effects even at the expense of drivers’ ability to see what’s going on around them.

In their quest to nip the mirrors’ aerodynamic shortcomings in the bud, designers have not only opted for a smaller body around the mirror, but have also lent themselves to a trend that uses flow-conditioning appendages to alter its course.

As expected in a group test of the entire grid, there were different solutions between the teams, with the aim of obtaining some information both for themselves and for the FIA.

Mercedes W13 2023 mirrors dim

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Whilst the main body of the mirrors are going to be increased, this is the consequence of the mirror’s reflective surface being enlarged.

Foto de: Giorgio Piola

Mercedes W13 mirrors

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The solution presented by Mercedes saw the W13 fitted with a mirror casing that’s almost doubled in height when compared with its regular solution.

Foto de: Giorgio Piola

Red Bull Racing RB18 mirror detail

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The solution tested by Red Bull is also much larger than we’re used to seeing, with the height almost doubled as a consequence.

Foto de: Giorgio Piola

Red Bull Racing RB18 mirror detail

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For comparison, here’s the usual solution that Red Bull would use, with the smaller main mirror casing framed by winglets top and bottom.

Foto de: Giorgio Piola

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB18

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This shot is great for comparative purposes as Red Bull actually opted to mount both the regular and larger mirrors on either side of the car.

Foto de: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

AlphaTauri AT03 mirror

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Alpha Tauri opted to widen their mirror assembly, rather than increase the height.

Foto de: Giorgio Piola

AlphaTauri AT03 mirror

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Here’s a comparison shot showing the normal width mirror assembly.

Foto de: Giorgio Piola

Aston Martin AMR22 mirror

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Aston Martin probably had the most developed solution on the grid, with the team making a wider version of its regular design, complete with all the aerodynamic appendages it would usually have.

Foto de: Giorgio Piola

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari F1-75

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Ferrari opted for the lengthened version of its mirror, albeit without the vortex generators that are normally on the underside of the assembly.

Foto de: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Fernando Alonso, Alpine A522

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Alpine’s mirror was a simple extension of the mirror layout normally found on the A522.

Foto de: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Alex Albon, Williams FW44

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Williams, meanwhile, opted for a much larger mirror body overall.

Foto de: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL36

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The enlarged mirrors used by McLaren meant that the team disposed of the usual framing winglets.

Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren MCL36

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For comparison the regular mirror configuration has a smaller body and a winglet that surrounds it.

Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo C42

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Alfa Romeo’s test mirrors were also extended to make them wider than they’d usually be.

Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

The real updates of the Formula 1 Dutch GP 2022

Alpine has been one of the most proactive teams on the grid this season when it comes to updates, as the Enstone -based outfit has gone into each and every 2022 race with some new part.

At Zandvoort, the team made some optimizations to improve the downforce package they were already planning to use at this grand prix.

At the front of the car, that translated into minimal change to the front wing, with a new flap introduced to reduce downforce and help balance the car for the changes imposed at the rear.

The rear wing of Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon’s single-seater was modified, employing a shorter upper element in its stacked biplane arrangement.

AlphaTauri He also took advantage of the visit to the Netherlands to make changes to his rear wing. The Faenza team modified the connection between the elements of the spoiler and the endplate.

The bow is now much tighter, increasing the span of the mainplane and upper flap, with a larger tip cut to compensate for the extra vorticity that might have otherwise occurred.

Williams had a new front wing available at Zandvoort, its first change in that area since its previous update at the Silverstone weekend.

The changes also didn’t require the manufacture of a completely new wing, which is a positive considering the cost cap, with the outer section of the upper flaps and the transition with the endplate modified to increase performance.

This section of the wing is relatively sensitive, given the compromise it has on performance by creating downforce from the flaps and using their very linkage to influence the airflow generated by the wing itself.

Alfa Romeo made changes to its rear brake duct, with the aim of increasing its performance not only for the characteristics of the Zandvoort track.

On this occasion, it is the shape of the deflector that has been altered, seeking an increase in local flow performance, while seeking a secondary benefit through the diffuser.