Explained: strange movement Ferrari SF-23 exhaust system generates through corners – VIDEO. An incredible look at the movement the Ferrari exhaust system generates through corners.

During the Austin weekend, Formula 1 cameras managed to capture an unusual detail on the SF-23. In a rear view, you can see the Ferrari’s exhaust outlet moving in an absolutely anomalous way, probably never seen on an F1 car. The strange movement was present on both cars and was particularly noticeable, in ultra slow-motion, when the SF-23 cars passed over the curbs.

The Oscillation of Ferrari’s Exhaust
All Formula 1 car exhausts are made with a special lightweight and high-temperature resistant metal alloy called Inconel. On paper, there are no significant differences between one team and another. They all use the same material in the same way.

However, what happened to the Ferrari’s exhaust pipe in Austin has never been seen on any other car. From the video, it is clear that when the car passes over the curbs, significant deformations occur in the final section of the exhaust outlet. The shape is no longer the classic circular one but becomes noticeably oval. The most peculiar thing to see is the onset of shape oscillations.

An incredible look at the movement the Ferrari exhaust system generates through corners 🤯

📹 x @F1 pic.twitter.com/Eo1hTkmtns

— Autosport (@autosport) November 4, 2023

The Change before Brazil – Did Red Bull Already Have a Solution?
It is not known whether the movement of the exhaust outlet was intentional or if it was a defect, but what is certain is that Ferrari replaced the component on both cars before the Brazilian Grand Prix. The “strange” thing is that they did not decide to change it already in Mexico. Could it have been something Ferrari was trying to address and understand?

On the other hand, Red Bull seems to have already thought of a solution to avoid these strange movements. Inside the exhaust of the RB19, you can see a cross-shaped structure (yellow arrow) that connects the walls of the exhaust outlet. Some speculated that it might be a sensor for exhaust gas temperature or flow. Now, it is plausible to assume that it serves as a structural reinforcement, still made of Inconel, to prevent the deformations of the exhaust outlet seen on the Ferrari.

Underneath it (red arrow), there are also two bars that connect the exhaust to the rear impact structure. This solution could be designed to provide additional rigidity to the exhaust and thus prevent unwanted movements.