By: The Azerbaijan GP pit lane in Baku appeared less active than on other race weekends. Perhaps we simply failed to catch the technicians in the act as they prepared to carry out the longer, more complex operations. However, during a walk along the pit lane, we did not spot any particularly significant activity in the garages. Only three teams really caught our attention.
Work around Stroll's seat
The first was Aston Martin, where Lance Stroll's seat had just been removed for what we initially thought were modifications. Once it had been taken out, however, we noticed the mechanic handling the seat confidently and, after placing it on the ground, attempting to correct a possible issue with the driver's posture.
Anomalies at Cadillac too
We then noticed another unusual activity at Cadillac. On Bottas's car, just as we were walking through the pit lane away from prying eyes, they were fitting a particular grille behind the cockpit and on the right-hand side of the car, probably as part of a preventative procedure.
It was probably the same one used as a frame for Pitot tubes, a solution that enables aerodynamic analysis of air pressure around the car's bodywork. That does not necessarily mean, however, that they will use the rake in FP1.
Immediately alongside it, Perez's Cadillac was on stands in an unusual position. The car was far from level, instead tilted by around 20-30°, with its nose pointing upwards. In such circumstances, the cause could be further checks on the hydraulic circuits. Looking at the photos, the floor also does not appear to be fitted.
Photos: Marco Sassara
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