Formula 1’s winter rule changes to slash downforce proved to be a big headache for teams over the winter – and became a big talking point in Bahrain last weekend. The changes to the floor, brake ducts and diffuser were originally aimed at cutting downforce by 10%, although indications suggest teams have already clawed back half of that.
But of more intrigue in Bahrain was how the floor tweaks in particular had favoured some teams over others, with the low-rake concept cars in particular looking like they have lost more.
Scuderia Ferrari did not have a raft of new parts on offer for the first race but it’s still worth another look at a novel solution that was discovered on the SF21 during the pre-season test.
Mounted on the edge of the diffuser are three tall fins that are being used to redirect the airflow and turbulence in that region in order that it doesn’t impinge on more important flow structures created to improve the car’s overall performance.
F1 teams always run on the absolute limit when it comes to cooling, as opening up bodywork reduces the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.
However, it’s a price that must be paid at circuits in warmer climates. But rather than sacrifice performance at the rear of the car and open up the rear cooling outlet, Mercedes opted to run the maximum cooling outlet in the panel beside the cockpit.
Perched on the joint between the halo and the sidepod, this interchangeable panel will have different configurations throughout the year in order to find the right trade-off between the prevailing cooling demands and aerodynamic performance.
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