F1 2018 tech special: How Mercedes and Ferrari compare

After an F1 season where Mercedes overcame its toughest challenge yet from Ferrari, our technical editor Jake Boxall-Legge joins Glenn Freeman to give an in-depth overview of the key differences between the two cars, with the help of our exclusive 3D imagery provided by Motorsport Studios.

[wawingnut]

I really love the new tech guy, he somehow manages to get super technical but keep it understandable

[johnbouttell]

As Ferrari fell behind, they felt more pressure to try riskier updates. Being in the lead, Mercedes didn't need to take any risks. The same with Hamilton's driving style.

[paladin]

When I started following F1, the major technical discussions were about engines and power, now it's about breaking wind.

[y_fam_goeglyd]

Really interesting piece. Looking at the two cars split in half gave a far better view of how different they were - something which wasn't so easy to see on track. Looking forward to seeing the new design for '19!

[siccodegroot]

11:05 this also explains why ferrari are always so strong after the winterbreak. The big steps instead of the small steps.

[savagedesigner]

Could you also include red bull next time please, sins it was the best car on the grid in aero and mechanical grip? The just lost out because of the engine

[disclaimer.imjokin]

What makes me laugh is how we seem to forget since the mid 80s one team or engine dominates till a major rule change. Honda 86-91 Renault 92-97 Mercedes ferrari 98-01 was really a great time for f1 ferrari 00-04 then the last real time the top 3 teams were level ferrari mclaren merc and Renault then the 09 rule change and if it wasn't for brawns miracle red bull would of won the 09 season spreaking of which 10-13 red bull then hybrid v6 era 14-present merc. The pattern is clear 8 times out of 10 a team or engine supplier gets it right and dominates then fans moan and the rules are changed to mix things up in 2021 in sure some team will ace it then dominate for 6 years until the next rule change

[ThomasNing]

damn, seeing the back of these cars closer makes me realise just how huge the formula e Gen 2 diffusers are.

[rohitandley]

Its amazing to see how complicated every part is, its contribution to the other parts and also the brains behind the physics

[luckyd]

I like to see the Mercedes compared to like the back runners like Toro Rosso, I would like to see differences in the too cars for obvious reasons.

[chrispig]

I love Ferrari but I think Mercedes is just a better organised team as is red bull, hope Ferrari can do it next year

[nrtv]

Fantastic video! Please make more of these comparing all the cars to each other!

[PoIapopo]

Great video!! It would be interesting to see these comparisons with the close midfielders like Haas vs Renault

[fudstanchion]

What’s interesting is that the focus is often on the surfaces which we can see. Whilst super interesting it leaves me wanting to know more about the inside of the car. It’s still so secretive.

[thierryman]

If there is one main observance between the two that made a difference it was this: Mercedes kept it simple. No weird joints, sideboards, or even nose. Simple. Simple. Simple.

[CalasTyphon]

Please do a video explaining why the McLaren is suffering from so much drag and is so slow, it can't all be the Renault engine as red bull have proven.

[xXDeadTuberXx]

I think you've got a video somewhere in between your ads

[tonkatoytruck]

I want to know why Mercedes were afraid to use the updates wheels AFTER the FIA had already approved the design? And I do not believe for a minute that Ferrari's loss of pace was aero related. The data all pointed to the batteries and that is why a sensor was placed on the Ferrari in the first place.

[SRavindhranGanapathy]

Merely pointing out the technical differences is dull. It would be better if Autosport can tie these differences to what effects they have on performance and how the 2 cars differed thereby in performance. It is hardly interesting to see a few tweaks to the vane and floor design,

[PPedroFernandes]

Even as a Mercedes fan, I'm really happy Ferrari developed the car so much last year. For the first time since the beginning of the hybrid era, there was actually competition. Previous seasons were so boring, mercedes had the championship on the bag 5 races in basically. This season actually had some fight. Good to see