The Ferrari updates have already arrived in China, and besides the “Macarena” wing, the Scuderia has introduced another interesting specification.
The Australian Grand Prix shook the entire paddock, with Mercedes dominating from start to finish. The Ferrari updates set to be introduced this weekend for the Chinese Grand Prix aim to disrupt the dominance of the Silver Arrows.
In addition to the much-discussed “Macarena” wing, Ferrari has also introduced another aerodynamic update
The Scuderia’s moves were revealed in advance by the well-known journalist and technical analyst Albert Fabrega, whose pit-lane shots allow us to analyze two specific innovations introduced to tackle the Chinese circuit.
The most significant innovation concerns the rear end. On the garage stands, ready to be approved for both cars of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the new rear wing specification appeared, rotating 180 degrees and humorously nicknamed the “Macarena” in the paddock.
The Shanghai International Circuit represents a real aerodynamic puzzle: high downforce is needed to tackle the twisty opening complex of corners, but at the same time maximum efficiency is crucial to avoid losing out along the very long 1.2 km straight.
This new wing is the Ferrari engineers’ response to find the perfect compromise between downforce and top speed. The fact that it is already fitted on both cars is a clear sign of confidence in the data gathered from the simulator and in the tests carried out in Bahrain.
If the rear wing immediately catches the eye, it is in the millimetric details that the development battle is won in this new era of Formula One.
Ferrari has in fact introduced a real aerodynamic gem: a new small deflector mounted directly on the central pillar of the Halo, positioned right in front of the driver’s line of sight.
Read also: Chinese GP – Why Shanghai Could Be the First Real Test for Energy Management and Active Aerodynamics
This small horizontal fin-shaped appendage plays a crucial role in flow management. Its task is to clean up the turbulent air coming from the nose and the front suspension area, preventing dirty vortices from directly hitting the driver’s helmet and instead channeling a cleaner airflow toward the airbox inlet and the rear end.
A true piece of micro-aerodynamic sculpture that will help Ferrari with the management of its rear end. The question remains: will it be enough to shift the balance in China?
Copertina e foto: Ferrari.com
