An aerodynamic compromise that will also matter in
the race
These tweaks are not only aimed at
performance over a single lap. The Madring
has proven demanding for the tires, with notably
graining on the front left and a tendency to overheat at
the rear in long fast corners. Moreover, a single-seater that
lacks balance and slides more also puts more strain
on its tires.
Read more Lewis Hamilton risks a double penalty after ignoring Ferrari’s orders in Madrid
The question could become decisive
on Sunday. The degradation observed so far argues for several
stops, but the length of the pit lane makes each stop
particularly costly. Teams are therefore faced with a
delicate compromise between pure speed and tire preservation.
Read more Fernando Alonso fears an «almost impossible» mission in Madrid with his Aston Martin
In this context, the aerodynamic adjustments
made by Mercedes and Ferrari also take on
another dimension: finding the right level of downforce and, above all,
a well-balanced car could weigh as much on the race as on
the stopwatch.
Read more George Russell envisions a major change on his Mercedes despite his dominance in Madrid