Some days ago I noticed an unexpected geometry around side pods. Last year, the mid wing was smooth all the way from the side pod to deflector. Now it's different:
To what end, I had no clue until I saw this photo of RB14 illustrating to me how teams use bodywork around side pods to influence and guide the flow with various pressure zones:
You can see rain spots and trails from just above side pod inlet going towards this small slot made by top wing root. Slot is making the air exit at higher speed and lower pressure, thus air at higher pressure starts to go towards this zone. Later, I expect it goes further outboard and down to the floor.
This same thing could be what's going on with SF71-H in mid wing root area. There is, unfortunately, no photo of mid wing under side yet, as this would tell us a lot about this area. If that slot is converging, than it's probably to help guide the airflow down to the floor. If it's diverging, by any chance... no clue what would be going on about it, to be honest.