Motorsport

THIS is the car Mercedes hope will win Lewis Hamilton a record eighth Formula One world title.The W12 has been designed as an evolution of last year’s model, which won Hamilton 11 of the 16 races he entered in 2021, taking 10 poles and 14 podiums.
Take a look at the new car the F1 legend will be racing in this seasonCredit: Getty
Lewis Hamilton is hoping to record an eighth Formula One world title win in the new W12 carCredit: Daimler AG
However, this year, there have been attempts from the sport’s rulemakers to slow him down and strip him of downforce.
Here, James Allison, the Technical Director of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, takes us through the changes.
What are the biggest challenges for the upcoming season?
“Without a doubt, the biggest difference is the introduction of the cost cap. This new rule requires us to manage our resources very judiciously through the year.
“We won’t be able to fly through the season introducing update after update any more, but instead will have to bring a more limited number through the year, making sure that we spend our cost cap dollar as wisely as possible on our upgrades.
“We also have some significant modifications to the aerodynamic regulations for this year, plus new tyres and changes to how much we’re permitted to use the wind tunnel.
“All these things stack up to be quite a big change, very far from the carryover year that it was expected to be.”
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What can you tell us about the new car? What has been the main focus of development for W12?
“By far and away the biggest area of technical development has been adapting to the new aerodynamic rules.
“2021 brings a profound set of changes that affect the performance of the floor. If you’re looking to slow a car down, which is effectively what the regulation changes were intended to do, modifying the floor is by far the easiest and cheapest way of achieving your objective.
“The floor is such an important aerodynamic component that small geometrical changes bring large reductions in performance.
“Once the rules had been established, our task was to figure out how to recover the losses brought by the changes.
“The rest of the aerodynamic work has been the normal fare of seeking out aerodynamic opportunity across every square centimetre of the car with particular attention to finding places where we can invest extra weight into fancier aerodynamic geometry.”
There are four major aerodynamic changes. What’s the first key aero change?
“I’ll explain the triangular cut-out on the edge of the floor first. This is located just in front of the rear wheels, reducing the area and shape of the floor.
“It may not look like a big change, but the way the floor and the rear wheels interact is critically important to the performance of the car. So, removing this part of the floor has a big impact on downforce.”
James Allison explains everything about the new car to SunSportCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Where is the second aero change located and what’s different on the W12?
“It’s related to the rear brake ducts, which for several seasons have featured a proliferation of winglets that are mounted on the brake ducts and point inwards towards the centreline of the car.
“These winglets generate a little bit of downforce in their own right, but their far more important role is to guide the interaction between the rear tyres and the floor, helping the floor to produce far more downforce than the winglets could ever manage on their own.
“The span of these winglets has been reduced by a few centimetres so they don’t overlap as much with the floor as they used to, thereby reducing the performance of the car.”
What’s the third area of aerodynamic change?
“The third change is at the back of the car around the diffuser area.
“When we are designing the diffuser, we are trying to expand the air as much as we can while keeping the air attached to the surface of the diffuser. More expansion means lower pressures under your car, which means more suction pulling the car to the road, which means more downforce.
“For 2021, the inboard set of strakes, the ones nearest the centre line of the car, have been reduced by 50mm sawn off so that they don’t sit as close to the ground as before.
“By making the fences shorter, they are less effective at controlling the rate of expansion of the air. All things being equal, this makes it harder to be greedy with the diffuser expansion, and so it reduces the downforce on the car.”
The W12 has been designed as an evolution of last year’s modelCredit: Daimler AG
And what’s the fourth and final aero change?
“This is related to the edges of the floor, near the bargeboards and the radiator air intakes.
“In recent seasons all the cars have sported an array of slots on the floor in this section of the car, almost looking like a venetian blind.
“For 2021 the rule has changed, requiring us to seal those slots up. This reduces our ability to create downforce.”
The tyres are changing for 2021, can you tell us about them and their impact on the cars?
“Pirelli’s 2019 tyre development programme was aimed at improving the durability of the tyres.
“The teams tested some proposals in 2019, but eventually rejected what was offered. As a consequence, we went into 2020 with effectively a two-year-old tyre against a backdrop of ever-increasing performance in the cars.
“Not surprisingly, last year saw the tyre at the limit of its capabilities. Pirelli has responded to this by producing a new racing tyre for 2021.
“The new tyre is a lot more durable than the 2020 tyre. It is a little slower, owing to the trade-off for more durability, but it is consistent and should give us trouble-free racing.”
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CAR DETAILS
Chassis
Monocoque: Moulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structureBodywork: Carbon fibre composite including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wingCockpit: Removable driver’s seat made of anatomically formed carbon composite, OMP six-point driver safety harness, HANS systemSafety Structures: Cockpit survival cell incorporating impact-resistant construction and penetration panels, front impact structure, prescribed side impact structures, integrated rear impact structure, front and rear roll structures, titanium driver protection structure (halo)Front Suspension: Carbon fibre wishbone and pushrod-activated torsion springs and rockersRear Suspension: Carbon fibre wishbone and pullrod-activated inboard springs & dampersWheels: OZ forged magnesiumTyres: PirelliBrake System: Carbone Industries Carbon / Carbon discs and pads with rear brake-by-wireBrake Calipers: BremboSteering: Power-assisted rack and pinionSteering Wheel: Carbon fibre constructionElectronics: FIA standard ECU and FIA homologated electronic and electrical systemInstrumentation: McLaren Electronic Systems (MES)Fuel System: ATL Kevlar-reinforced rubber bladderLubricants & Fluids: PETRONAS Tutela
Transmission
Gearbox: Eight speed forward, one reverse unit with carbon fibre maincaseGear Selection: Sequential, semi-automatic, hydraulic activationClutch: Carbon plate
Dimensions
Overall Length: Over 5000mmOverall Width: 2000mmOverall Height: 950mmOverall Weight: 752kg
Power Unit Specification
Type: Mercedes-AMG F1 M11 EQ PerformancePower Unit Components:Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic (MGU-K)Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H)Turbocharger (TC)Energy Store (ES)Control Electronics (CE)Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)Capacity: 1.6 litresCylinders: SixBank Angle: 90No of Valves: 24Max rpm ICE: 15,000 rpmMax Fuel Flow Rate: 100 kg/hour (above 10,500 rpm)Fuel Injection: High-pressure direct injection (max 500 bar, one injector/cylinder)Pressure Charging: Single-stage compressor and exhaust turbine on a common shaftMax rpm Exhaust Turbine: 125,000 rpm
Energy Recovery System (ERS)
Energy Store: Lithium-Ion battery solution of minimum 20 kg regulation weightMax energy storage/lap: 4 MJMax rpm MGU-K: 50,000 rpmMax power MGU-K: 120 kW (161 hp)Max energy recovery/lap MGU-K: 2 MJMax energy deployment/lap MGU-K: 4 MJ (33.3seconds per lap at full power)Max rpm MGU-H: 125,000 rpmMax power MGU-H: UnlimitedMax energy recovery/lap MGU-H: UnlimitedMax energy deployment/lap MGU-H: Unlimited
Fuel & Lubricants
Fuel: PETRONAS PrimaxLubricants PETRONAS Syntium
Performance:
Top speed: 360km/h – 223mphAcceleration: 0-100km/h in approximately 2.6seconds More

LANDO NORRIS is looking to get in a winning rhythm with McLaren this season after taking up drumming.The 21-year-old is well-known, particularly among his younger fans, for playing online computer games and streaming the videos on social media.
Lando Norris is looking to get in a winning rhythm with McLarenCredit: Instagram
One Direction’s Josh Devine is teaching the F1 star how to play the instrumentCredit: Getty
But the Bristol-born racer has now taken to learning the instrument and been having video lessons with One Direction live drummer, Josh Devine.
Thankfully, Norris, who lives in Woking not too far from the team’s factory, says he has some understanding neighbours.
He said: “So far, I have had no complaints. I have only once played late, around 9pm, but I try to play in the afternoon or the early evenings.
“We aren’t in joining houses, so I have a little bit of sound breathing room.
“It is good to have something different to focus on and I get to let loose and to get rid of some of the anger I always have, but it is good to learn something new.
“I did a lesson with Josh and we streamed it on Twitch and he taught me a few things, that was pretty cool.
“It is just about trying to learn  it and see the improvements in yourself. There are lots of things I always want to try to do, like learning to play golf.
“But I don’t commit to it and do it properly. You just go out there and practice but I don’t get very far and I end up giving it up.
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“I just want to learn something I can be good at. Singing was off the cards at an early stage.
“There is no way to get me better at that so drumming was the next thing and it has been good fun.”
This will be Norris’ third season in F1 at McLaren but he will be without his usual sparring partner, Carlos Sainz, who has joined Ferrari.
McLaren boss Zak Brown said for Norris it was like having a “bigger brother” but with Sainz now gone, he is relishing seeing him form a new partnership with Daniel Ricciardo.
Like Norris, the Aussie is a bit of a practical joker but there is also an element of competition between the two.
And while jokes are not off limits, Norris says that he has matured during his time in F1 and is now ready to become the team’s leader.
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This will be Lando Norris’ third season in F1 at McLarenCredit: Getty
He added: “I think there has been a lot more emphasis on doing everything I can do for the best in myself and the best for the team.
“Over the past two years, it has been about realising, not when you can have fun or not, but about what you have to do to perform at the best.
“So there has been a lot more time spent on working in different areas – working with my engineers and my trainer and making sure everything is as good as it can be to.
“There is certainly more focus from my side. There is now a sense I can lead things in the team.
“There is a bigger role I have to take on because of my experience with this team and Daniel cannot fill that.
“So that is my responsibility to lead that and drive the team on.
“It does not mean we are not going to laugh and have fun every now again because everyone does, but there is more focus this year.”
One of the most endearing images of the last few years has been the post race pictures of Norris helping his mechanics strip down his F1 car and pack away the garage.
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The sport runs on a tight schedule during pack up as they race to get all the components to the next GP, so every extra pair of hands help.
So while his peers have been on their way home in private jets, Norris has been up to his elbows – and that’s something that he doesn’t plan to change.
He said: “No, that’s absolutely not stopping. That has not got anything to do with leading the team.
“That’s something I can do which I enjoy and the mechanics accept. It is just me helping them.
“It is pure decency in a way. I don’t think that is involved in me becoming a better driver and taking this role within McLaren.
“It is something different. That is me being a human being and just wanting to help out.”
Norris, who has one podium to his name, has an extra reason to feel confident about this season.
Last year, McLaren defied expectations to finish in third place in the Constructors’ Championship, earning lucrative prize money.
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It was the first big step to getting back on to the top of the podium and while they are not predicting wins this season, they have improved their chances after swapping to Mercedes engines.
They also looked quick and reliable during the three-day test in Bahrain earlier in the month, even if Norris is playing down their performance.
He added: “It was a good test for us and, touch-wood, there aren’t any problems for us.
“But the whole team, the guys and the girls are on top of things and looking at every area and improving where we possibly can.
“As for me, getting used to the feeling of a new engine and the different buttons on the steering wheel, it was like we had been with them for a while.
“But it is still not prefect. There are still things we need to make better, which is cool. So there is more to come from the car and the engine.” More

MICK SCHUMACHER has spoken about his pride at bringing back the famous surname to Formula One.The 22-year-old is the son of seven time world champion Michael Schumacher and the nephew of former F1 driver, Ralf.
Mick Schumacher is about to follow in his icon father Michael’s footstepsCredit: PA
The 22-year-old is the son of seven time world championCredit: Splash
He is frequently quizzed about the weighty pressure his surname brings – yet he is remarkably cool about dealing with it as he prepares to make his F1 debut at the same age his father did.
Ahead of this weekend’s race, he spoke with a boyish charm about receiving his first F1 paddock pass, as the nostalgia came rushing back in waves.
He said: “It is motivation and pride. I am happy to be here… I am happy to have brought back the Schumacher name into F1.
“I have done it with championships on my back so we have proven I am able to drive a race car. So I don’t feel a blink of pressure from it.
“It’s an amazing feeling being with the team and knowing this is it and I’m getting close to my first race in F1.
“I got my pass – you know, the proper red F1 pass – and I was like, ‘Woah!’ I remember seeing my dad having one and I always wanted one, but obviously I didn’t get one.
“I have one now and it’s amazing and I am really looking forward to it.”
Schumacher will make his debut for the Haas team.
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Having won the Formula 2 series last year, he was offered his chance to step up to F1 as the rules prevent the champion from staying in F2.
He has been given his opportunity by the Banbury-based team off the back of the fact he is part of the Ferrari Drivers Academy.
Haas are Ferrari’s customers hence it makes sense for them to take the Italian team’s best rookie, while the dad of his teammate and fellow rookie, Nikita Mazepin, helps pay the bills through his title sponsorship.
It needs remembering that Mick was skiing with his dad when Michael suffered serious head injuries on December 29th 2013.
Mick has since explained that his dad was his “idol and role model” but he gives nothing away about the ex-world champion’s current medical condition.
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Mick Schumacher pictured with his dad years ago at the Monaco Grand PrixCredit: Xposure
Schumacher Jr now hopes to follow in his father’s footstepsCredit: Rex Features
Michael Schumacher turned 50 in January but has not been seen in public since he fell and hit his head in a skiing accidentCredit: PA:Press Association
It is a fiercely guarded secret and that is the families prerogative and one that Mick respects.
But it does not mean he ignores his father’s achievements in F1. In fact, it is the opposite, he embraces it.
In F2, Mick raced with “SCH” to represent his position on the timing screens, but that has now been switched to “MSC” the three letters used by his father to distinguish himself from his brother Ralf.
“It’s quite emotional for me to see MSC on the timing screen again.
“It’s a special bond I have to it, and I hope it’s nice for everybody to see it there.”
There is a further nod to his dad’s achievement hidden behind his racing number for F1.
Michael Schumacher was a seven-time F1 world championCredit: AP:Associated Press
Mick makes no secret his father is his ‘hero and idol’Credit: AFP
He’s picked the number 47. A rather odd choice on the front of it, but also quite poignant.
He added: “Four and seven are two of the numbers that I really like.
“Four for [the number I raced with in] F3 and the seven because seven is a number that is very close to me as well, partly because of that [his dad’s seven titles].
“If we calculated all the birthdays of our family together it would equal 47.
“So it was a pretty nice feature to it and I think it just underlined that we should choose that number.”
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