Ferrari, the aerodynamic developments

The Scuderia is always in search of performance, Shell is working on the fuel, while the engineers are working directly on the car. During Friday’s tests at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, two aerodynamic specifications were tested, with Fernando Alonso in the new car while Kimi Räikkönen was on the first work base. The engineers will be able to directly compare the collected data and understand what is not working.

Let’s start with the front of the pontoon, the upper part of the sidepod has been modified to increase the airflow. This is accompanied by a narrowing of the air outlet around the exhaust pipe, which increases the flow inside the engine cover and improves cooling. The rear of the cover is lower, and the nozzle is extended, all aiming to increase the air flow speed; it is no longer central but a double lateral flow. We note the return of the double support of the rear wing and the abandonment of the “monkey seat”.

Ferrari took the opportunity to test a new flat floor, which could imply a new diffuser in the near future. Fernando Alonso shared his impressions with the engineers and found that the new aerodynamic appendices added something extra to the car, but they didn’t use them for Sunday’s race. Indeed, the hot temperature of the circuit convinced the team to wait a bit longer.

But why only work on the rear part of the car? In fact, it’s an internal issue with the car, especially concerning the fuel. Indeed, Shell and Ferrari have chosen a “light” type of fuel, and the direct consequence is that this type of fuel needs low temperatures to deliver maximum calories, whereas Renault or Mercedes have “heavy” type fuel, and racing temperatures like in Canada pose fewer problems for them and result in better efficiency.