turbof1 wrote:I think it is due ride height and suspension stifness set up. In a wet race you want to keep the car controllable, so you make a softer and higher set up. In the dry that'll cost you, because the diffuser and floor will generate a lot less downforce, while the drag remains the same.
If the Merc was really set up for wet weather, would you not think that LH would have smashed Vettel in qualy more than he did? Hamilton was the last guy over the line so he had track condition advantage over the RedBulls. That combined with a more wet setup should have meant a larger advantage. Else you would have to admire Vettel for getting his car with a dry set that close to LH.
I think passing LH after Eau Rouge was caused by a heavier Merc (higher fuel consumption), tires not offering the perfect grip for LH and Vettel with all the opposite effects + KERS usage up the hill. Also, his shorter gearing meant he was up to speed that tiny bit earlier than LH.
Through the hole race the Merc did never look as much on rails as in Hungary, I think the tires played a large part in their performance. In Eau Rouge the car looked less agile than the RedBull and Ferrari.