2024 F1 Bahrain GP: first images from Sakhir, rear wing comparison and aerodynamic solutions. The first images from the Bahrain paddock show the comparison of the rear wings.

Here we are, Formula 1 officially restarts in a few hours with the free practice sessions of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first event of the 2024 F1 season. After a long winter and last week’s pre-season tests, there is much anticipation to understand the actual on-track performance of the cars.

Updates from the paddock reporters are right on time. Let’s see how the teams are preparing and how the single-seaters will hit the track for the free practice sessions. The first images come from the X profile of the talented Albert Fabrega, showing the comparison of the rear wings of all the single-seaters.

If these configurations are confirmed, we would once again have a Red Bull with a heavily loaded rear wing, aiming for greater cornering traction and better tire management in the race, all without sacrificing top speed thanks to the excellent aerodynamic efficiency of the RB20 (as well as the RB19 and RB18). McLaren also presents a high-incidence upper profile with a slightly smaller chord and no Gurney Flap. Mercedes chooses a less pronounced upper profile, but with a Gurney Flap, and a consistently thick lower profile. Ferrari’s solution is much lighter, both for the upper profile, with a small Gurney Flap, and a very thin lower one.

The front wings of McLaren and Ferrari also reflect the respective high and low downforce choices of the two teams, for a balanced setup with the rear.

An interesting comparison proposed by Albert Fabrega is between the 2023 and 2024 engine covers of Aston Martin. The “water slides” are wider and deeper, with smoother lines to make the most of the Coanda effect and bring the flows glued to the hood to the diffuser, generating maximum downforce.

In recent days, Fabrega has also published some photos of the circuit, especially the work done at the famous “popped” manholes that caused the interruption of the test sessions. The affected stretch has been covered with concrete.

Another image published by German journalist Tobi Gruner shows the Ferrari SF-24 without the nose and engine cover, revealing various elements of the front suspension and the dimensions of the cooling system in the sidepod area. Also visible are some details of the braking system, including air intakes.

Tobi Gruner also shows us the details of the McLaren pull-rod front suspension, a solution also adopted by Red Bull and Racing Bulls.

Throughout the day, we will publish further images and updates.