F1: Mercedes, McLaren Test Wet Weather Wheel Arches at Silverstone

Formula One races have always been more exciting in the rain, but the sport is still working to discover methods to make the ensuing drama as safe as possible for the drivers. On Thursday at Silverstone, Mercedes and McLaren took part in testing of wheel arches or 'mudguards' that aim to lessen the spray created by vehicles. While Formula One drivers' remarkable expertise allows them to maintain control in the rain, the mist from the vehicles in front may sometimes obscure their view. In rainy circumstances during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Jules Bianchi was the most recent Formula One driver to perish in an on-track incident. In addition, the diffuser on these ground-effect F1 vehicles is expected to be tested for its influence on the volume of spray, which Russell has said is a contributing factor. 

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F1: The Wheel Arch Test

At Silverstone, a Mercedes will have prototype wheel wells installed. They will likely make up around a fourth of the tyre's circumference. Down the track's main straight in the rain, the McLaren will follow the test vehicle.

With the McLaren running in front of the Mercedes without its wheel arches, the FIA will be able to compare the two cars fairly. There has been no confirmed driver lineup for the test, however, reports have emerged that Mercedes' reserve driver Mick Schumacher will be behind the wheel of the W14. Mercedes and McLaren will incur zero costs as a result of their participation in FIA-commissioned testing.

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F1 British Grand Prix: McLaren's Mega Performance at Silverstone

McLaren's 1-2 qualifying finish on Saturday was the highlight of the race, as Lando Norris took the podium for the first time this year. In 2021, Daniel Ricciardo won the Italian Grand Prix for McLaren.

When the safety car showed up, they were able to save time on their pit stops. This meant that Norris maintained his second-place advantage over Hamilton, while Piastri dropped to fourth. Piastri fought hard from the start against Verstappen, defended against George Russell, and then made a late, valiant charge on Hamilton as the Briton's tyres wore down, but ultimately came up short.

Stella acknowledges that it did not anticipate to achieve such a large improvement despite McLaren's strong expectations that its recent upgrade package would help raise its shape. McLaren kept working on the development, laying the groundwork in Azerbaijan. Later on, improvements like a new floor and an updated front wing for the English version were implemented, albeit only Lando Norris could use them owing to a paucity of replacement components.

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