Mercedes W15 - Aerodynamics Analysis and Initial Thoughts

[@JustSomeGuyWithNoMaidens]

No one goes as in depth on aero analysis like you. Hope this season is more competitive

[@tlreclipse1126]

helps he used to be a part of the works team.

[@GodsboyOp]

Well after seeing f1 now, it is definitely hyper competitive

[@KYLEENGINEERS]

Hope you're all up for 5 minutes of dry legality talk! Looking forward to seeing if Red Bull can also bring something interesting! Hope you all enjoy the video!

[@Jon-cw8bb]

I would wait to analyse RB until Bahrain testing. Don't think it's the real thing until then ;)

[@zippo5294]

Great video thanks!

[@ruudbakker5261]

the legality talk is what is interesting to me, fun to see how engineers play around with the rules to find solutions that can give them what they are looking for while still complying with the rule set.

[@JaiAverage]

Love it. I’m learning so much!

[@BuddyCorp]

Dry me out, aero daddy 🥵

[@KYLEENGINEERS]

Just had another thought last night - the V shaped inlet probably also allows them to push the wall under the sidepod further out, this would likely allow them to shift the pressurisation from this region further out as well, which could help the front tyre wake management more. Just another potential reason they could have gone down this route.

[@john3260]

It may be a good idea to pin this thought and any other new thoughts you have. Love your videos, mate!

[@absurdist5134]

I've been watching since 1996. I'm not an Engineer, but I have always loved the engineering side and loved learning how and why things work or why things are done the way they are. I can not emphasise enough, how much I appreciate your content. Genuinely, thanks for making them.

[@bassmunk]

1996? lol

[@kyorin6526]

@@bassmunk I think he means watching F1 since 1996. F1 was of course around in 1996...

[@bassmunk]

@@kyorin6526 That makes more sense lol

[@absurdist5134]

@@bassmunk If I was watching Kyle since 1996 it would be very concerning I think. Fortunately haha, yes, it is watching F1 since 1996, when my late grandma introduced me to it.

[@InstabilityControl]

That’s awesome you’ve been watching since the year I was born 😂

[@gonuhi]

What could people want in technical videos,when you have Kyle

[@AALI97]

A shame your videos don't get the view numbers they deserve when other channels get millions just for spouting hot takes. Been watching F1 for a while and the amount of knowledge and gems you drop are priceless.

[@mohammadzohorul8887]

Not everyone is a fan of fluid dynamics

[@Sponge-28]

The Race are a prime page for doing this. They do put out good content occasionally but they've been putting out analysis and assumptions of the cars based on renders which are pretty clearly just there to show off the livery and hide most of their secrets. They are very much turning into a quantity over quality page

[@dpjohnjones432]

Not everyone wants the facts. They’d rather argue vague assumptions of a discipline they know relatively little about.

[@AALI97]

@Sponge-28 a byproduct of catering to the masses unfortunately

[@reiniernn9071]

@@mohammadzohorul8887 I'm fan of this technical insight. Also other technical insights on those cars. And I have no time to discuss this with my child....the only one I can trust not to be payed for telling BS. The last time (previous year) I've discussed some aero with him he also stated that these video's are great. Compliment to Kyle. Oh...He is a PHD in fluids....and was also developer of the aero side for one of the dutch solar challenge cars a decade ago...He knows about what he is talking.

[@joshz6289]

Somehow watched f1 for years and never found this channel and now I'm learning way more abt the cars I ever thought I could

[@footballshowItaly]

Finally after 1 year worth of fluiddynamics lectures at my university I am able to understand pretty much everything you’re talking about! So happy about it

[@Chunkerdunkers12]

YES, finally i can learn instead of hearing opinions and hot takes😅

[@iiFuture]

Exactly, especially the idiots that love saying the word copy without knowing anything about aerodynamics lol

[@carsonneal]

i honestly dont understand why people just watch videos of OTHER PEOPLE'S opinion..... like who tf cares

[@olihill5219]

Doing engineering at uni at the moment and it’s great to see application of all the fluid mechanic theory I’m learning and helping to understand it, glad to have found the channel

[@michaelelavsky569]

Just came across your videos and I must say that this is the most in-depth and detailed f1 engineering analysis I´ve seen on youtube. Cheers mate, am about to binge your vids.

[@jvshotta8845]

This is the best part of the F1 season when I get Kyle's analysis on the new cars.

[@saad8029]

You are the only one I watch for aero analysis. I can never trust journalistic speculation from other channels.

[@AwesomeNiel]

Been waiting for Kyle to analyze the W15 🎉

[@MSportsEngineering]

These videos are always the peak of the preseason

[@Ewald464]

Must say, this is the reason why I love F1, yes the sport is cool, but this video is the exact reason what drew me to F1. Well explained Kyle.

[@Staticc146]

This is what I’ve been waiting for all off season if you have time a mid season recap and final aero package recap would be nice

[@thee-sportspantheon330]

I am so happy I just got recommended your channel. This is awsome.

[@TheoneandonlyRAH]

just pleasemore videos kyle!! talk about whatever you want, just give us moree

[@rayan3428]

Such an interesting video as always, your analysis are always incredibly well explained and accessible for all.

[@johnbarker5009]

I love your indepth analyses, look forward to them every year.

[@amc657]

W15 looks like a rocketship. Absolutely stunning

[@shannonrobson2237]

Amazing!!! I wish many others talk to you before posting stuff and talking rubbish..

[@andrecarrato6359]

It's pretty sad we only have Kyle videos once in a year.

[@ElGuatequero]

Kyle, buy a lavalier Mic and/or the Rode wireless Go 2, this should reduce your ambient reverberation of your videos when you are on camera. That's a little annoying compared to the incredible quality of your content. Sound engineer here. Amazing videos like always.

[@granadi3r]

Your videos are always a highlight of the F1 season launches. Thank you for continuing to make these!

[@seesiedler1]

What a great channel!

[@JDTeevee]

I went straight to looking for your video after seeing that front wing and overall how much different this car is than last year! Glad to see an in depth look on this car, we'll see if it's fast...

[@drobbs6463]

Great analysis Kyle! I'm a big fan of your videos. Keep up the great work mate.

[@hasanbhayat8925]

I've been waiting for this video since they launched it yesterday. Thank you mate

[@psychedwellness77]

Man I love launch season, and your videos are definitely one of my favorite parts of it! Thanks!

[@felipemarchesini5407]

I want to be race engineer and your videos it was the best on youtube far away. Please, don't stop doing this great job

[@Cynyr]

Adding support for the engineering and legality talk. I dont even bother watching other car reviews. I started ine and the first half was a discussion about the livery... I don't care what color they painted the car this year.

[@beany1987]

Think the under cut more proncounced because they have moved the side impact structure, they were restricted by the sidepod last season. With the cost cap they couldnt move the impact structure to the sidepod design was limited by both the budget cap, and by the previous design.

[@Stubwood_on_YT]

As someone who has just started studying aerodynamics in my engineering degree, I found this fascinating

[@kholomokolo]

It's fascinating how words on a paper can be turned into intricate aero elements to slice through air in a specific manner

[@01bigtrev]

I always think back to the photo of the red bull being lifted off the track and the flooring giving insights into the design. That seemed to be a key advantage that others are probably putting into their designs now.

[@grahamtait8031]

You're far above my technical understanding but I am learning a lot about how components work. Thanks so much.

[@TheLinAndre]

What's interesting is that the newer cars are evolving to looking more closer to the 1st gen of Alfa romeo and Aston martin of the ground effect era

[@rekosylvius9089]

You should do an analysis on modern motogp aero since its getting a bit crazy nowadays.

[@RB-ei7zs]

Thank you so much for doing this. Your analysis makes us ready for the new F1 season

[@jakublawniczak]

I love your videos, they are supereducational. I've been watching F1 since 1997 and these ones help me understand how an F1 car works. Thanks! ;)

[@Ribastein]

best analysis i have seen!!!!

[@lukenoonan3898]

I've seen so many videos, that are good, but don't go into nearly as much detail as this. Good to see I'm not the only nerd here lol.

[@oilcoconut186]

Glad you return bro

[@DEE-qu5mc]

This is my go to channel now, great work Kyle, much appreciated, cheers mate👍

[@corpsecoder_nw6746]

Is there a way to shape the sidepods in such a way that you can both deflect front tire wake, create vorticity by the front of the floor that seals the whole floor, and creates vorticity that would seal the diffuser? Is there a way that Mercedes could have added elements to their crash structures during their zero-pod era to have accomplished wake management, floor and diffuser sealing?

[@whynotask1285]

Would love to see you do these same tech exercises 6-7 races into the season This would show the changes and the real concepts. I love deep dive tech looks at F1.

[@bagelinator22]

Excellent video as always. Great to get your insights. Thanks for sharing some of your knowledge !

[@arelle1000]

Could the zero side pod concept Mercedes originally had worked if they had beefed up the suspension rather than mess with other areas?

[@RANDOMZBOSSMAN1]

I think it would have worked if they had access to the suspension systems pre 2022 that were banned or even potential active suspension The floor flexing was also an issue they would have needed to solve I think the concept was solid just the execution required was infeasible under the current budget cap/technical restrictions

[@zackm.3176]

Guessing they would had switched either way, from what I understand the zero-pods relied on vortices to control the wake, similarly to the old regs, but didnt have strong enough effect compared to the bulky sidepods. They def would had performed better though and had a more stable car if they had focused on suspension from the beginning like RB did.

[@TassieLorenzo]

There's still no way to control the wake from the front wheels without sidepods though (now that powerful bargeboards were banned)? Wouldn't that zeropod design always struggle to align the airflow to the rear end of the car at high yaw (i.e., low speed corners) or in crosswinds etc, or where they things that Mercedes were on the road to overcoming? 🙂 The zeropod car did look really cool scraping the ground in Zandvoort or Interlagos on the smooth medium speed tracks where it was fast! I can't remember if Mercedes ran huge rear wings for the entire 2022 season, or only at the races where they couldn't run the car as low as they wanted (most of them...).

[@illdeletethismusic]

the zero pod car worked very well whenever the car could be run low to the ground, it was terrible whenever ride height had to be raised. the increased minimum ride height, which Mercedes lobbied for, made their concept unfeasible.

[@Milkydrummer]

Would love to see a prediction video / ranking of your favourite innovations / designs

[@corpsecoder_nw6746]

If Ferrari, McLaren, Aston or even Red Bull complain about the top flap, is there another way to shape every flap of the front wing to create a vortex that diverts the front tire wake away from the car? Like if the wing started off at high AOA near the nose and then suddenly dropped (within legal curvature) and then gradually rose back up as it reached the endplates? Also would bump stops have cured porpoising? Would you be able to introduce anti-dive and anti-squat and platform stability by modifying the angles of the lower wishbones on both suspensions? Would introducing anti-dive or anti-squat anywhere increase the harshness of the ride? How do teams optimize the damper settings for fast rebound so that the tire follows every crevice in the road at high speed but also keeps the platform moving very gradually (so it's gentle on the driver's bottom and also keeps airflow relatively stable)?

[@deepwawa8525]

Take a shot everytime he says. Element Here! In a high pitched voice😂. Great video man i wish i found tour vids earlier. Very informative

[@stevenshizzle]

I saw your Ferrari video yesterday and I thought to myself “I can’t wait for him to release a W15 video“.

[@americankiwi]

Would love to see you go over the aero of some of the moto gp bikes in depth like this.

[@meerkat5818]

Best looking car on the grid, again!

[@sydneythefitdr]

Very detailed video.

[@Kamarlpringle]

Another great analysis, I’d like to get your thoughts on the extra scoop Mercedes have put into the first element of the front wing that’s detached from the nose which is slightly different to the other teams.

[@colinhare4722]

Excellent review as always

[@scottyb330]

Thank you for these!

[@AllyITA]

very interesting video as usual. would you consider doing a video in which you explain how these vortexes influence airflow around them? i can't quite get my head around them

[@johndawhale3197]

I'm not a Mercedes fan but I've got to say this car looks absolutely gorgeous...

[@Metrallaroja]

Fantastic video! Please do one on the AMR24 real car images, it looks so interesting!

[@MsZeeZed]

The front wing change seems like a neutral element that sacrifices a small amount of front downforce for improved front airflow. Even if it was “revolutionary”, as a front wing change it could be replicated across the grid in a month. Its never going to win a championship, but might improve the Merc’s stability.

[@claudeumuhire1625]

True, I think Merc isn’t worried about the speed, drivers complained about the stability and drag all of last season. I think the speed was there last season but the car was just too unpredictable think that’s what they focused on.

[@cesarsilva8102]

@@claudeumuhire1625 altough they were limited and had to ran on lower power because of the structure of the car, bad cooling etc

[@Infiltator2]

Thing with frontwings is always that they change the airflow on the whole car. Which is why they amount of work you need to put in during a season is so much more than a new rear wing.

[@claudeumuhire1625]

@@cesarsilva8102 yea it had potential, hopefully they can run it full power with the revised concept although I think they might still have issues with cooling this year

[@cesarsilva8102]

@@claudeumuhire1625 I guess we have to wait and see, I think with the new front wing and the style of the inlet side pods they improved cooling a lot, they can definetly run at hihgher power now, im very confident this year now that allison made the car.

[@elfleap]

it look likes the Mclaren of 2007 the front wing and the sidepod check it out

[@kornonacob]

Very good analysis...

[@michaelgdupreez]

That detached Rear Wing will definitely make it harder for cars to follow them as well. So, this year and next will definitely make overtaking a little bit harder, So... if there is an approval for the in-wash car concept, I will wait till then to see how innovative teams will become from an aero perspective

[@dshepherd35]

Solid analysis

[@stephencawley971]

Kyle - great analysis as usual. A question I’ve posed on several f1 channels is why are the front wings so ridiculously wide? If the FIA, F1 etc are so worried about outwash from the front wing why not make them MUCH narrower? Like to the centre line of the front tyres?

[@maccarioandrea]

Great great content, very understandable for a fellow engineer 🙌🏼

[@ZKev1]

You're the man on aero how do you think they've dealt with the hi drag problem from last year do you think it's mainly gone

[@kyorin6526]

Will you be covering the AMR24 too, like you did last year?

[@klaushaunstrupchristensen7252]

Thanks for this quiet enlightening. What I would like to hear more about are: 1: the fairly bulky second element of the front wing right next to the three pointed star. It seems almost integrated into the nose cone. Maybe it can take ballast? Ballast put there could change weight balance quite considerably with a minimum weight!? 2: to me it seems like the rear suspension is rocker suspension and a double wishbone suspension fused together. Of course it is difficult for anyone to see under the skin of the vehicle so… Greetings from Denmark

[@davidaugustofc2574]

Putting ballasts on something than can break off so easily feels weird. It's also hard to open the wing and adjust. But maybe you're thinking something to the likes of the Renault with the mass dampener, but you can't really fit conventional springs inside of an airfoil.

[@houseneer8956]

thanks so much, fellow engineer

[@minigator2]

Oh yeah, video of the day!!!

[@mesterorange8181]

Lets goooo been waiting for this

[@brianbob7514]

Thank you, this is great

[@kornonacob]

One of the engineer in brackley inform me that the new car is 18kg lighter than previous car.... 8.5kg savings particularly on the new engine.... can you confirm it pls?

[@TheOzzyOzan]

14:11 where does the hot air inside the sidepod go? no gills on sidepods this year

[@Andrewmichaud14]

I cant wait for the RB20 analysis.

[@tseland]

In point j, how do you measure the angle of attack of the legality wire to make sure it is not above 30deg?

[@adrianbrown4369]

Wow, that was indept, a lot to swallow but detailed indeed

[@RehanX44]

also just a little detail, the carbon fiber they used here looks a better quality and more aesthetically pleasing to watch than last year, this one has nice smooth pattern, last one looked cheap up-close

[@jims6614]

Awesome video. The rear pull rod looks very flat. Won't it help to clean up the rear airflow if they ran a geared hub design. That way they could run the drive shaft and lower wishbone much higher.

[@SureshKumar-dy6nw]

please post a video for aston martin their 2024 car looks interesting and promising..

[@isaacboateng9782]

I’m very confidence in this car

[@wateronfirefk]

I think the new redbull takes a lot from the old benz car ... its interesting ... you should look into it ...maybe worth a video

[@felipaokbca]

All i want to know is: is it a title contender car? Thanks for the excelsior vídeo!

[@ameya2328]

Hi Kyle, I have a doubt, what exactly do you mean by losses, I have my suspicions, but would like to hear what exactly that is... Thanks in advance

[@Parallelwurlds]

I always wonder, when other teams see something like the Mercedes front wing, do they have the technology to roughly draw up a sketch and run a quick sim to get an overall idea if it could be of benefit

[@mstar011]

great analysis. Something tells me this car will change by the time we get to Bahrain race.

[@madjoubah6549]

Yeah , the sidepod inlet looks unfinished .

[@djPositive]

What about driver position? did they moved it back as Lewis didnt like previous position?

[@TassieLorenzo]

Yes, it's 100mm further back according to other reports.

[@alanwhitworth3633]

... hi, would it be possible at sometime when you're not so busy to make a video on the process an engineer goes though designing an F1 car, the approach and execution ?? Alan

[@Tyrewhisperer]

Are you going to go into analysis for every car?

[@zlm001]

Thanks.

[@EvLSpectre]

It almost looks like they still want that zome what zero design but turned horizontal. Still nice to see that two teams that we know of didn't go for the more RB style sidepos inlet lip

[@drewlaspada5838]

It looks like the connection between the two elements at the very outboard tip of the rear wing is quite outwashed as well. I wonder if that's done to meet geometric legality or if they've done it on their own to weaken the vortex.

[@basedneeble7350]

definietely the coolest looking car on the grid

[@megathumper777]

Quick question from a commercial pilot. As you are an expert in aerodynamics (especially with regard to tiny details), do you look at commercial aircraft and see obvious shortcomings in their designs? Do you think these large planes got their designs right or is there a lot left on the table regarding lift and drag performance? Thanks

[@JamesA516]

It would be helpful to get your insight on the state of CFD modeling for areodynamics. After 3 races theres a lot of discussion on how the W15 isnt performing as projected/modeled. And McLaren last year claimed they didnt understand how their midseason changes worked as well as they did. All of this leads me to believe that there are significant limitations in modeling. Which combined with wind tunnel & track testing limits has all teams except RBR guessing whether changes will actually work. Is that your experience?