McLaren boss Andrea Stella reveals the flaws of Mercedes' zero sidepod concept

Mercedes' ill-fated zero sidepod concept in Formula 1 was doomed from the start, according to McLaren boss Andrea Stella.

In a recent interview, Stella shed light on why the unconventional design approach was ultimately abandoned.

While other teams quickly abandoned the minimal sidepods showcased by Mercedes during the 2022 pre-season testing, the Silver Arrows persisted with the philosophy, incorporating it into their 2023 car. However, the concept was short-lived, with the team reverting to a more conventional-looking W14 at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Stella pointed out that teams are increasingly gravitating towards the Red Bull wide sidepod style, which directs air downwards towards the floor and diffuser. He emphasized the importance of this 'downwash' concept.

"I wouldn't simply say downwash, I would say wide sidepods is actually the primary concept that seems to interact very well with the floor," Stella explained to media.

Drawing an analogy, he likened the sidepods to miniskirts, highlighting their role in optimizing airflow and maximizing floor suction.

"It's very clear that everyone is converging in that direction, and we are also moving development in that direction and hopefully, we will see results soon," Stella added optimistically.

Stella also highlighted the evolving significance of aerodynamics in modern Grand Prix racing. Formerly mechanical components, such as suspension layouts, now play a crucial role in enabling aerodynamics.

"Aerodynamics is much more important than these mechanical elements," Stella emphasized. "It's more about the fundamental design of the front wing, around the front tires, and the floor. These are the usual culprits from an aerodynamic point of view."

Stella's insights underline the continuous pursuit of performance gains through aerodynamic advancements. With the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on the horizon, Formula 1 teams are eager to implement cutting-edge aerodynamic strategies to gain a competitive edge on the track.