TECH TUESDAY: The unwanted characteristic that returned on Mercedes’ 2024-focused Spa updates


Mercedes made another significant upgrade to the bodywork of the W14 at Spa, with a new radiator inlet shape converging into an enhanced upper sidepod overhang, creating a mild version of the fashionable ‘water slide’ as pioneered on the Aston Martin and Alpine and since seen on other cars too.
Mercedes claim that the taller inlet has improved the quality of airflow to the radiators, allowing fewer aerodynamically disruptive bodywork louvres for a given level of cooling.
Next Up
Related Articles
What we learned from the Barcelona Shakedown
ExplainedAll you need to know about Advanced Sustainable Fuels
Hadjar hails ‘impressive’ start with Red Bull’s new engine
ExplainedAll you need to know about F1 aerodynamics for 2026
What happened on Day 3 of the Barcelona Shakedown?
Why January could be the busiest month for F1 drivers
