Ferrari debut rotating rear wing on Hamilton’s car in Bahrain testing
Ferrari have exploited a loophole in Formula 1 regulations by debuting a rotating rear wing on Lewis Hamilton’s car during pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The Italian team caught the attention of technical analysts during the second stint of running at the Sakhir circuit.
Eagle-eyed observers noticed the rear wing element on the seven-time world champion’s car flipping upside down while the vehicle was in straight-line mode.
Innovation reduces drag
This radical modification creates a larger slot gap for airflow, significantly reducing drag on the straights.
The mechanism relies on the specific wording of the rules regarding active aerodynamics.
F1 technical analyst Sam Collins noted: “Ferrari have discovered something quite clever in the regulations, it doesn’t specify the wing has to be mounted the right way up when the active aero is deployed.”
Collins explained that the Maranello-based outfit are effectively permitted to run the wing upside down when active systems are engaged.
Aerodynamic vanes spark intrigue
This is not the only area where the Prancing Horse have pushed the boundaries of the technical regulations for the upcoming season.
Engineers have also utilized a loophole allowing aerodynamic vanes to be placed within the rear tail area, provided they remain within 6cm of the axle.
By attaching the winglet to the diffuser on the upper tail, the team utilizes hot exhaust gases to generate additional downforce.
“The four top teams have gone for slightly different solutions with Ferrari pushing the development the furthest with particularly impressive detail,” said F1 TV analyst Ruth Buscombe.
Mercedes set early pace
Despite Ferrari’s technical ingenuity, Mercedes appear to be the team to beat ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on 8 March.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli topped the timesheets in the first three-day test.
However, Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc remained in close contention, finishing third and fourth respectively.