Formula 1: Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull Go All Out with Monaco Rear Wing Designs
In the ultra-competitive world of Formula 1, the battle for the top spot has pushed teams to spare no expense, especially when it comes to custom-made Monaco rear wings. Despite cost cap restrictions, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull have invested in specialized wing designs to maximize performance on the legendary Monte Carlo circuit.
Ferrari’s High-Downforce Approach
Ferrari’s new high-downforce rear wing takes cues from its medium-downforce variant, with a revised tip section and flatter, wider profile to alter the vortex shedding surface. This, in turn, changes how the flap and bracket interact. Ferrari’s mainplane and top flap configuration remained the same for the first seven races, but it brought a higher-downforce wing to the Japanese Grand Prix, only to reserve it for Monaco. The latter features a flatter central leading edge on the mainplane and a tighter radius where it meets the endplate, accompanied by a revised upper flap.
McLaren’s Technical Advances
McLaren brought its new high-downforce rear and beam wing configuration to Monaco, adding to its suite of parts that share a similar DNA. The endplate features an outboard upwashing swage line and a semi-detached tip section, while the upper flap and mainplane take up more space within the box region permitted by regulations. Notably, the leading edge of the mainplane has a tighter radius, and a small, V-shaped notch adorns the centerline of the trailing edge.
Red Bull Racing’s Customized Approach
Red Bull, until now relying on just two rear wing specifications, brought a high-downforce arrangement to Monaco along with a revised beam wing layout. The upper flap and mainplane now occupy more space within the available box region, with the leading edge of the mainplane turned upward, deepened, and cambered. Furthermore, Red Bull made adjustments to its front end to tackle cooling issues, utilizing maximum extraction options and adapting the RB20’s suspension for better steering lock.
A Lesson in Formula 1 Engineering
This season’s fight for the top spot has led teams to go all out in their pursuit of maximum performance, exemplified by their approach to the Monaco Grand Prix. For fans of Formula 1, understanding these intricate design decisions is essential to appreciating the precision engineering behind the world’s most competitive open-wheel racing series.
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