F1 | Ferrari SF-23: modified front wing for better flow management. Modified front wing for better flow management.

We have entered the weekend of the Austrian Grand Prix, and Scuderia Ferrari aims to replicate its strong performance from Canada at the Red Bull Ring. In an effort to bridge the gap with Mercedes and Aston Martin, the technicians from Maranello have planned another significant package of updates for the SF-23, which was initially scheduled for Hungary.

However, the decision to bring forward these innovations to Austria raises doubts about their effectiveness. Therefore, Scuderia Ferrari has chosen to utilize the second Filming Day at the Fiorano circuit to gather mileage on the new features installed on the cars of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of the new front wing of the Ferrari SF-23, seen this morning on the Fiorano track.

The attention of the aerodynamicists goes beyond a simple modification of the uppermost flap. In fact, a significant portion of the front wing, from the profiles to the endplates, has been changed. Analyzing the profiles that compose the wing, we can observe a slightly different design of the second flap, the one to which the nose is attached. It appears that the outward curvature is more pronounced here to enhance the out-wash effect of the wing. However, the most notable changes are visible in the adjustable profiles, which now have a more straight-line trajectory. The last two flaps near the front wheel, in particular, descend towards the endplate in a more direct manner, without the wave-like shape that characterized the previous specification. Furthermore, in this area, a small additional element is present to generate further aerodynamic load.

There is also a change in the orientation of the 5 flow deflectors, now slightly tilted towards the outside of the car to seek more out-wash effect. The Ferrari technicians have certainly had the opportunity to optimize the distances between the flaps of the new front wing with the aim of extracting the maximum possible load.

Redesigned endplate on the new front wing of the SF-23

As mentioned earlier, the modifications to the Ferrari SF-23 did not stop at the profiles of the front wing. In fact, we can observe a completely redesigned side endplate. What immediately catches the eye is its new shape, now more “rounded” at the front and without the corner angle. This innovation should improve the effectiveness of the vortex generated by the edge present in the rear area of the endplate. The outer profile has also been changed, now featuring a single upward curvature and positioned at the end of the endplate.

The connecting area between the endplate and wing profiles has also undergone a reorganization, with the vents now oriented outward. Here, unlike the previous specification, the airflow passages are more open and allow for increased airflow. This combination of modifications will likely result in better management of the vortices from the front wheel. Additionally, there is another detail, less visible, inside the outer endplate. It seems that there is a small carbon fiber blade in the lower area of the endplate to separate the vortices directed downward from those directed upward.