Vanja #66 wrote: ↑01 Mar 2023, 17:57
LM10 wrote: ↑01 Mar 2023, 15:49
So they used low downforce not only at the rear, but also at the front?
Impossible to say, I was just surprised at the smaller planform that's definitely reducing the downforce. Whether the result is medium or low downforce front wing is hard to say, since the geometry is much more complex than rear wing.
What is clear is they are pushing hard for big outwash generation even if the downforce is not maximised. Big centerline load also means two more things - there will always be notable outwash (predictability for downstream aero regardless of planform) and drag reduction due to speed-flex is maximised.
It is actually an overal positive thing for me, I was convinced they were far more limited with downforce gains available at the front than at the back. As it stands, I'd say they have plenty of room to add downforce if needed. Of course, both wings provide less efficient downforce, so any addition will be minimal and carefully evaluated.
This is Gary Anderson, so pinches of salt at the ready, but:
The area where I have put the magenta line is where Ferrari has added a gurney flap. This is a small 90-degree strip that you fit to the trailing edge to increase the performance of the wing in that area. Its presence shows that Ferrari has been struggling to get enough load out of its front wing, especially at low speed which is where a gurney flap will give you more load than just an increase in wing angle.
Important thing to note as well, by adding planform surface for high-downforce tracks Ferrari basically won't increase drag if they keep this frontal area.
