The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/925836
CHASSIS: THE HEART OF THE DESIGN. e chassis is one of the most fundamental components of an F1 car—it could be considered the core of the design, and it is oen constructed as a single-shell chassis to minimize components and reduce weight. In most cases, highly innovative materials such as carbon fiber composites, resins, and aluminum mesh are oen utilized to enhance the sturdiness of the vehicle, without making any compromises concerning density. In order to further enhance the space within the chassis and the cockpit, which is featured within, the seat is designed to the specific measurements of the actual driver who is going to use the car. Due to the highly customized design, the pilot's movements and bouncing due to the car's high speeds are significantly reduced. e Mercedes AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+ is an excellent example of a highly intuitive chassis design. e car sports a molded carbon fiber and honeycomb composite structure, and it was upgraded to feature a narrower nose and maximize its aerodynamic shape. "e car is more complex than before," Costa said during the Live F1 Tech Brief. "Everything has been redesigned for the higher loads the car has, in terms of aerodynamic load but as well in terms of [tire] grip." Due to the lightweight construction materials, the W08 only weighs 1,600 lbs. (the average U.S. car tips the scales at 4,000 lbs). VUE ON AUTO V U E N J . C O M 125