As expected, the new design takes inspiration from other solutions employed throughout the grid. However, there's clearly delineation in its design profile in order to integrate it with the W14's core design principles.
This has been made even more difficult by the cost cap and resulting resource restrictions. In the past, teams may have considered a full-blown B-spec redesign and manufacture but this is no longer an option. As such, there's always going to be a considerable trade-off when shifting to a new concept as not everything can be placed optimally.
In this respect, one major feature of the zero-pod design has been retained as part of the overhaul. The Side Impact Spar (SIS) fairing has been retained ahead of the main sidepod assembly. Moving it inside is not possible without the homologation of a new chassis, meaning the team has had to incorporate the fairing into the sidepod's revisions.
The winglet mounted below and on the outer extremity of the SIS fairing has also been retained, but modified to better suit the flow characteristics required. The SIS fairing itself is positioned to help to direct the airflow towards the inlet, which has been widened but is also shallower to create a more traditional undercut beneath it.
Thereafter the undercut is smoothed into a flatter surface profile, which is married to the new downwash ramp-style upper portion of the sidepod.
This upper surface of the sidepod also retains some commonality with its predecessor, as an interchangeable louvred cooling panel resides on the top surface, allowing heat to be rejected based on the circuit's characteristics and the panel chosen.
The sidepod's downwash ramp also features the waterslide approach seen on other cars. The design favoured by Mercedes is more comparable with those of Alpine or McLaren rather than Aston Martin, owing to the height that's been allowed for the ramp section as it tapers towards the rear of the car.
Source: Autosport