The bargeboard area was always likely to be a key development battle in 2017 and, since Paddy Lowe’s arrival from Mercedes, Williams have been making steady progress in this region.
Lowe has clearly translated his knowledge from Brackley to the aero department in Grove as the team have approached key aerodynamic components in a similar way to that of the Silver Arrows.
Although not a direct copy, Williams has complemented the horned turning vane on the chassis side with two further bargeboards on the sidepod shoulder [yellow arrow] akin to the Mercedes.
Collectively the arrangement of turning vanes are designed to shield the fast moving air passing through the sidepod undercut from the wake of the front tyre, which is crucial to the performance of the diffuser behind.
Further signs of Mercedes influence can also be noted on the axe head [red arrow] – the protruding section of the floor that forms the anchor for the bargeboard assembly. This has been divided into three distinctive teeth. An aerofoil profile helps to divert airflow between the teeth and flip it out along the car’s flank, which should help seal in the low pressure air passing beneath the car.
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