Audi caught the eye at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with the most comprehensive car update package of the season. The German team brought so many new parts, but the key is how they all work together, not just a jumble of components.
Starting with the front wing, it looks like a completely new package. The mainplane now has a more defined upsweep outboard, still integrated into the footplate of the endplate, while the flap assembly appears loaded further inboard. These changes aim to improve airflow consistency around the inside of the front tyre, especially with varying steering lock.
The three-dimensional effect on the front wing endplate's leading edge is increased to boost outwash. The horizontal vane coming out of the endplate has reduced camber, and the small orange vane in front of the tyre is larger and more detailed. Audi is also unique in mounting the front wing actuator on the wing's upper surface, and it has actually reduced its size.
In the sidepod area, Audi made significant changes. The sidepod leading edge and radiator inlet now have a slightly more bulbous section at the floor edge, likely to make airflow more sympathetic as it separates under the floor or around the side. The upper surface of the sidepods is altered for more downwash, and the cooling exit system changed from an array of louvres to a more common opening.
The outer floor edge also received attention. The magenta-highlighted outer floor edge doesn't look very different, but there's a small more aggressive turned-up section just behind the bargeboard area. It acts as a knife edge which, due to pressure differences, produces a vortex along its length to help seal the floor. Audi also revised the vanes in front of the rear tyre contact patch, aligning with the overall airflow management effort.
Overall, this package is not just a collection of parts, but a unified effort to optimise airflow around the front tyres and the entire car body. With so many changes, Audi hopes to improve performance at a demanding track like Baku. We'll wait and see how it performs on track.
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