F1, Ferrari and Red Bull: when aerodynamics dictate exhaust car design

F1, Ferrari and Red Bull: when aerodynamics dictate exhaust car design. When aerodynamics dictate exhaust car design.

The 2022 Formula 1 cars never cease to amaze and although more than four months have now passed since their debut on the track in Barcelona, observing them closely in the pit lane continues to give new information to discover new areas by which they distinguishing themselves. Ferrari and Red Bull in particular, the two main contenders for the 2022 Formula 1 world titles, were distinguished by an approach to the rear of the car. The macroscopic differences inevitably branch out into divergences even in the smallest and less conspicuous areas, including the design of the exhaust ducts.

From the rear view, it can be seen that the main exhaust terminal of the Red Bull does not follow a linear trend upwards when entering the bonnet, as is the case of the Ferrari, but first presents a downward inflection. Through the rear vent for the hot air of the RB18 you can also see the internal components of the suspension unit, the presence of which is at the origin of the different design for the exhaust duct, as explained by Carlo Platella for formulapassion.it.

In fact, the Milton Keynes team adopts the push-rod scheme at the rear to optimize the circulation of flows in the rear, unlike the team from Maranello which considers the pull-rod aerodynamically and mechanically more advantageous. The push-rod geometry of the RB18 thus imposes a high positioning of a large part of the spring-shock absorber group, inevitably forcing to deviate the path of the exhaust terminal to avoid the obstacle.

Although minimal, this area of differentiation between Ferrari and Red Bull is proof of the multiple implications of a given design philosophy. In this case, it can be seen how the aerodynamic choices affect the suspension design, which in turn influences the performance of the exhaust duct. Its design again determines the pressure drops of the exhaust gases, and therefore the pumping work of the thermal engine, resulting in a fraction more or less of the available engine power. Once again the Maranello and Milton Keynes team are the best example of how the great qualities of a certain aerodynamic philosophy also resides in the ability to optimize many implications in other areas of the car, regardless if they are large or small.