F1, Ferrari: support of SF-23 rear wing flap is new

Scuderia Ferrari doesn’t have significant technical updates for Spa-Francorchamps: the Maranello team has brought updates to the rear wing that stem from adapting the SF-23 to the characteristics of the Belgian racing track.

The Belgian circuit is the longest on the Formula One calendar and requires a compromised aerodynamic setup: the first and third parts are very fast, while the second part is more twisty, albeit with long sweeping corners like Pouhon. The aerodynamicists, therefore, favor configurations with less downforce if they already have substantial downforce generated by the floor, while otherwise, they seek solutions that allow for a good balance.

After two very disappointing races, the Scuderia is betting on the best possible compromise: they have designed a rear wing with a slightly spoon-shaped main profile and an entry edge that tends to “mask” the element above a certain speed. Additionally, they observe the lateral support of the movable flap, which follows Alpine’s direction, but without using a metal support for the side partition, as Diego Tondi‘s engineers have worked solely with composite materials.

Indeed, Ferrari does not reach the maximum width allowed by the regulations as they have done so far, but they reduce drag at a point that seems quite sensitive for performance since everyone is making developments in that area, according to Motorsport Italy.

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The movable flap returns to concepts we’ve seen in the recent past: there’s no longer the conspicuous central V as before, but a reduction in chord in the portion of the wing that is covered by the engine cover. The prominent Nolder that follows the entire exit edge also doesn’t go unnoticed: it seems that Maranello wants to find the necessary grip to avoid losing too much in T2. Especially since if it rains, as it is pouring now, having a slightly more loaded car could become an advantage.