A Ferrari-like sidepod feature expected on the upcoming 2020 Mercedes could have a particularly powerful effect on the aero of the Silver Arrows – because of a chassis shape that is believed to be unique...

We understand that the 2020 Mercedes will feature a lower-mounted upper side impact beam (indicated by the red lozenge on the drawing above, compared to last year's yellow lozenge). This was an innovation when introduced by Ferrari on its 2017 car but has since been widely copied.

Mercedes are one of the last to incorporate the feature, which allows the main body of the sidepod to begin further back, thereby giving the airflow fed from the front wing and through the barge boards more length in which to re-attach itself to the bodywork of the car. This should give a better, faster, airflow that will ultimately draw harder on the underfloor when it exits, boosting the underbody downforce.

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But it is the unique Mercedes T-section chassis shape that featured on last year’s car which could (if, as expected, it's retained) allow the new sidepod arrangement to be even more powerful. Aft of the cockpit area, the Mercedes chassis is highly unconventional in shape.