The qualifying round from Silverstone deserves careful analysis as it reflects a very specific situation. On Saturday, it became clear that the latest evolution of the RB20 deck did not bring any real performance improvements to the car at this track. Mercedes’ solid performance also stands out, alongside McLaren, which is again very strong.
After further analysis, it appears that the most balanced F1 car of the week was Mercedes’ W15. Thanks to the quick combination of Maggotts, Becketts and Chapel, the Brackley team won overwhelmingly. During this part of the track, rapid changes of direction show how well the front of the car reacts and the traction it possesses. Qualifying marked further confirmation that, since the Canadian Grand Prix, the W15 has found a wider ‘window’ that maximizes performance. The racers themselves admitted a significant change in the car’s behavior, despite the fact that no updates were given. Therefore, the main performance improvement is due to different thinking when determining the settings. Engineers have found a process that involves optimizing the overall balance of the vehicle, rather than achieving high levels of downforce.
Mercedes has actually adopted an opposite strategy to Ferrari, especially in defining the latest development package. Indeed, the Italian team’s aim in the latest update was to achieve a significant increase in downforce. But that goal was completely defeated; the reality is that the Maranello team has gone backwards more than it has advanced. In fact, the downforce values seen on the simulator were never confirmed on the track, due to the instability caused by the high loads, creating a lean phenomenon again in the Italian team.
RB20 update does not work as expected
Last but not least is the RB20 analysis at Silverstone. In fact, the latest development, focused on the edge of the floor with the new angle of the lower air guides, reduces the predictability and consistency of the car’s cornering behavior. It seems that pressure changes have been created in the middle of the car’s floor, not only making the RB20 unpredictable but also constantly creating understeer in the winding sections of the Silverstone track.
These are exactly the problems that Max Verstappen complained about on Friday and were exposed even more on Saturday due to the dangerous conditions. Of course, rain also plays a big role in this whole story. Mercedes, for example, is driving with a much larger rear wing, which makes it seem like they’re focusing more on the expected showers. In contrast, Red Bull and McLaren seem to have chosen a more compromise solution, meaning they won’t have much trouble against the Silver Arrows in dry road conditions.
