Formula 1 News: Teams Unleash Creativity on Semi-Detached Rear Wing Tip Solutions
As the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolds, teams are continuing to push the boundaries of innovation, particularly when it comes to semi-detached rear wing tip solutions. This design feature, which made its debut in Monaco last year, courtesy of Aston Martin and Alpine, has become a focal point for teams seeking to recover lost performance due to regulatory changes.
The regulation shifts aimed to curb the intense downforce and drag generated by the tip vortex, which had become a masterclass for teams. However, designers have been quick to adapt and reintroduce old ideas in new ways, recouping some of the lost performance.
Diverse Developments
Over a year on, the development of semi-detached rear wing tip solutions has branched out in diverse directions. Alpine’s design, featuring a metal bracket angled in opposition to the endplate and inboard of the juncture, has become a foundation for many teams. Sauber, for instance, introduced new rear wings at Monaco and Canada, incorporating a single mounting pillar arrangement and experimenting with both Aston Martin and Alpine-inspired semi-detached tip sections.
Mercedes, another key player, initially pursued the Aston Martin direction but has since switched to the Alpine concept for 2024. The German manufacturer recently unveiled an innovative, forward-reaching, outboard-mounted solution at Imola, trading drag for downforce.
Red Bull’s Approach
Red Bull, meanwhile, has made significant changes to its RB20’s rear wing design, including the addition of a small vane on the top corner of the mainplane and endplate juncture. This new vane, angled parallel to the tip section’s mounting bracket, is designed to alter airflow behavior in that region.
“As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how other teams adopt and adapt these creative solutions to stay ahead in the Formula 1 pack. With every team on the grid having either implemented or experimented with semi-detached rear wing tip solutions, the competition is heating up.”
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