Key Highlights
- However, after thoroughly analysing the situation, it became necessary in the afternoon to replace the power unit, with the AMR26 consequently remaining in the garage for a long time. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis setback inevitably slowed down the on-track work: Lance Stroll ended the day with just 36 laps, a reduced total compared to many other teams that were able to run more consistently.
- However, beyond the mere lap count, there are other elements worth noting at Aston Martin – starting with the work programme, which seems to closely mirror what was already seen in Barcelona. La versione senza branchie vista in mattinataLa versione senza branchie vista in mattinataIn Bahrain, the Silverstone team continued with a “limited” run programme, with Stroll never exceeding 300 km/h on the main straight.
- While maintaining a capped top speed allows for more linear data collection, it also reduces stress on the power unit, which in that section remained below 11,000 rpm for a long time - while other teams pushed well beyond that. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRegarding the power unit, modifications were also seen on the AMR26 in terms of cooling, with additional vents opened after the engine issues were identified.
- Although it is true that the Japanese PU currently appears behind schedule, it is also true that the AMR26 features very extreme bodywork shapes – and, realistically, the team needs to allow the Honda unit to breathe under the engine cover. The sidepods housing the radiators were designed to be as slim as possible, and the airflow from the triangular-shaped airbox is more limited compared to that adopted by other teams, with the bodywork along the engine cover shaped to be as tapered as possible.
- For this reason, a rather pronounced bulge can be seen – more evident than on rival cars – through which hot air is expelled. It is in that area that Aston Martin further opened the vents during the first day, introducing a series of additional gills to aid heat dissipation, even at the cost of sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLance Stroll, Aston Martin RacingLance Stroll, Aston Martin RacingHowever, this is not the only solution adopted to evacuate hot air.
