Ferrari's New Front Wing: A Strategic Response to McLaren's Flexibility
Ferrari has introduced a new front wing design aimed at matching the flexibility demonstrated by McLaren's front wing this season. This development is a direct response to the performance advantages that McLaren has gained from its innovative approach.
The primary focus of Ferrari's development efforts has been on the last two flaps and the main profile of the front wing, claiming that the new configuration offers improved performance and downstream flow characteristics across a wider range of conditions.
New front wing in Singapore compared to the old one — Illustrator Ohad Bark
Red Bull Racing big package planned for Austin
Red Bull Racing has opted for a front corner change that prioritizes cooling efficiency, featuring an enlarged brake duct exit.
The world champion team, now 2nd in constructor championship, will be taking advantage of the 3-week break after Singapore to bring a new package to the United States Grand Prix, with a number of improvements to stem the fall in performance since Miami.
McLaren, Aston Martin, and Alpine Seek Higher Downforce
McLaren has brought a high-downforce beam wing tailored to Singapore's drag levels. Similarly, Aston Martin's more aggressive front wing configuration is intended to balance the higher downforce levels it will run on the rear. Alpine has also introduced a new rear wing with a modified top profile to increase rear wing loading.
Williams and RB Fine-Tune Front End
Williams has a performance upgrade to its front suspension, aiming to maximize the benefits of the development package introduced in Zandvoort. Updated front wishbones, track rod and pushrod geometries, along with brake duct surfaces and chassis leg fairings, are designed to improve airflow and generate more local load.
RB has also introduced a larger front wing flap, which increases the overall load generated by the front wing assembly. This change is intended to provide the necessary balance range for high-downforce, high-balance circuits.
Mercedes and the others
Mercedes, Kick Sauber, and Haas have not submitted any new components. Mercedes has also announced that it has definitively abandoned the new Floor Body introduced in Belgium.
Upgrades in Details
Team | Component | Type | Primary reason |
---|---|---|---|
Red Bull Racing | Front Corner | Circuit specific | Cooling Range |
Ferrari | Front Wing | Performance | Flow Conditioning |
McLaren | Beam Wing | Circuit specific | Drag Range |
Aston Martin | Front Wing | Circuit specific | Balance Range |
Alpine | Rear Wing | Performance | Local Load |
Williams | Front Suspension | Performance | Flow Conditioning |
RB | Front Wing | Circuit specific | Balance Range |