A week of important presentations has begun. Inevitably, the most eagerly awaited teams launch their 2024 cars this week, just 10 days from the first day of testing in Bahrain. Aston Martin has just unveiled the AMR24, which is a project in continuation with that of last season. The key phrase from the factory in Silverstone is ‘strong evolution’.
There is no distortion of concepts already known to the Silverstone team, but there is improvement in all the areas that contribute to the performance of the single-seater.
The AMR24 has taken to the track today following their presentation. Lawrence Stroll’s team will use the first of two filming days (200km) at Silverstone. This follows the activity carried out yesterday by Haas with Nico Hulkenberg, who drove the VF-24 for the first time.
Design continuity, but the car has been redesigned to be lighter and more aerodynamically efficient
Between those who implemented a revolution and those who opted for design continuity, a lot of work was done in the factory on every component of the car. From the chassis to the mechanics, up to (where permitted) the Power Unit, there have been changes.
No area was left out of the attention of the technicians, who worked to improve its performance. At Aston Martin, the aerodynamics have been confirmed with the excavation in the sidepods and the undercut.
The strong evolution of the team’s 2024 single-seater started from those concepts. Many of the components, however, are different.
Aston Martin’s aim is to slim down the car and improve aerodynamic efficiency. This improvement can be achieved through the chassis and the mechanical and structural components of the machine.
One part that has undergone several revisions is the front one. Aston Martin went in search of a front wing that manages the flow more efficiently. Like other competitors, they are chasing the outwash effect.
The primary attention was then placed on the floors, which in F1’s 2024 cars are crucial in performance. Such changes have been made in combination with the sidepods and bodywork.
In fact, all these components determine the flow pattern which will strengthen the diffuser, beam wing and rear wing.
The work on the suspensions was significant. The push rod typology is confirmed at the front, with mainly aerodynamic refinement work to better direct the airflow raised by the front wing towards the entrance to the floor in the area of the Venturi Canals.
The Silverstone team confirms – without too many secrets as Williams did – the change to the push rod solution at the rear, characteristics that we will also see on the Mercedes W15.
Only Ferrari and Haas will, therefore, remain faithful to the pull rod solution, something that could cause discussion.
The first words of Mike Krack, Lance Stroll & Fernando Alonso
Mike Krack, Team Principal Aston Martin:
“We are proud to present the AMR24. It is the result of a huge effort from the whole team at our new AMR Technology Campus, and this will allow the team to take another step forward in 2024.
“Since the last race in 2023, everyone has been hyper-focused on improvements in every area, focusing our efforts on what really makes the difference, what really matters is to be better.
“Almost every part of the car has been refined and improved, building on our strengths and learning from the lessons of the past campaign. 2023 has been our best season to date. And our aim this season is to score regular points and podiums and fight for our first win in green.”
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Driver #18:
“There has been a lot of buzz around the AMRTC this winter. We are still a young team, but we are growing quickly.
“There’s that hunger and belief when you walk around the factory – a credit to all the amazing people who work here. We all want to do better than what we achieved last year, especially in the final part of the season when we made some strong progress: learning more about the car.
“I think this prepares us well for the new season, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Driver #14:
“I am incredibly proud of this team and what has been achieved in such a short space of time. Not just progress on track but investments in all off-track areas at the AMRTC.
“I always enjoy this feeling at the start of a new campaign, with this season marking my 21st year as a Formula One racing driver. The whole team has been working flat out to prepare the AMR24 for the new season. But there are so many questions to answer in testing and the first races.
“I’m excited to get into the cockpit and start my second green season.”
Author: Paolo D’Alessandro
Translation: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
