The Mercedes secret is called Magnetic Ride, or magnetic suspensions
Since the Belgian GP on, the Mercedes has made a big step forward in the global fight against Ferrari. In Russia this domain has been so evident that it turned out as it depended on a thorough development work of Suspension rear. In fact, the Mercedes of Hamilton and Bottas have adopted a new scheme with shock absorbers magnetic. On cars as standard with a certain level Magnetic Ride, it's called the system, It is already used for some time, but in F1 had not seen and that's because the reaction time and the development of a suspension of this kind are by no means easy. In fact, it was later learned that the Belgian Grand Prix onwards, the Mercedes has spent 30 million euro in more for the development of these solutions.
The mechanism is quite simple in concept but complex in its application. Or, within the shock absorber fluid are present particles metal that have a precise magnetic charge. When the shock absorber undergoes a compression or an extension, depending on the terrain that meets, a control unit sends signals to the magnetic particles inside the cushion. Practically, to maintain constant attitude and 4 wheels attached to land, the control instant by instant the shock absorber stroke modification ensuring a trim constant, allowing two things. The perfect adherence of the tires on the ground, and therefore allows maximum adherence both in lateral seal both in acceleration, but also and above all a constant weight height, so the aerodynamics always work in the best way. This result can be achieved is a refinement of the concept of Magnetic Ride, therefore a system that simulates the four-wheel steering (banned in F1) and the exact spring setting and suspensory group as if it were an active suspension (Also prohibited this).
At the moment the solution is only possible with a hydraulic suspension (and Red Bull the only one with the Mercedes to have it) while for the mechanical part you can not do. At Ferrari they know perfectly well what it's about, seen that rumors about the type of Mercedes suspension comes right from internal sources in Maranello, the question is whether you have time to use one like it and how long it takes for development, unless the FIA deems a Magnetic Ride system to forbid and then all the work of Mercedes (Red Bull but also to what you suspect…) be thwarted. In addition, the Mercedes has also modified the venting channels of the rims (supplied by padovana OZ) with a special paint which not only make them lighter, disposing the heat better. Then, summing up, Mercedes the success it is due to fluids del Magnetic Ride (Made in Italy Villastellone at Petronas?) the OZ wheels (Padova) and special paints (the Nanoprom Sassuolo).
