Ferrari SF-24 at Monza: rear wing is a major evolution of 2023 F1 design

Ferrari SF-24 at Monza: rear wing is a major evolution of 2023 F1 design. Ferrari arrives at Monza with a new rear wing.

Ferrari arrives at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix weekend with a new SF-24 rear wing designed for extremely low downforce, which should allow the Maranello team’s single-seater to excel on the straights.

Yesterday, we had a preview of the new rear wing Ferrari will use for the Monza Grand Prix. After comparing it to the 2023 specification, we observed several significant changes that should make the new design effective. Here’s an analysis of the new rear wing for the Ferrari SF-24 at Monza this weekend.

At first glance, the new specification might seem very similar to the 2023 version used in 2022. However, the angles and gaps initially created a misleading impression. With the boxes now slightly more open, we realized that the specification is completely new.

Heavy Evolution of the 2023 Specification

The first noticeable difference in the new rear wing is the type of support, which has shifted from a dual-pylon design to a single pylon, aligning with the 2024 wings. However, Ferrari seems to be conducting comparative tests with the old 2023 wing, as we saw mechanics preparing it in the paddock. They likely want to check if the new wing is rigid enough for the demands of the Monza track. If it doesn’t meet expectations, Ferrari might revert to the old specification to avoid any risks.

Examining the new specification reveals some changes in the mainplane and flap areas. The mainplane is now almost flat but has a slight spoon-shaped geometry to increase the surface area that interacts with the air to generate downforce. The vertical inclination of the upper flap is significantly reduced, although it still features a relatively long chord to produce downforce and enhance DRS efficiency.

The most interesting area is the elbow, where the endplate and mainplane meet. As with other 2024 specifications, Ferrari has aimed to reduce the curvature radius to increase the airspeed underneath, improving efficiency. Additionally, the flap cut follows the 2024 design philosophy, with a wide cut that generates a vortex to enhance the overall efficiency of the component.