The FIA has banned active aerodynamics on a one-off basis for the Monaco Grand Prix. RacingNews365 technical guru Paolo Filisetti explains how Mercedes and Red Bull have taken advantage of this — and why it is a throwback to a bygone F1 era.
The Monaco Grand Prix has provided an interesting look into Formula 1’s history this year by banning active aerodynamics for the weekend.
Teams have had to rethink the configuration of their rear wings with the central actuator becoming redundant due to no need to open or rotate the rear wing flap.
Some teams, like Mercedes and Red Bull, have taken the opportunity to create additional rear downforce by transforming the unused actuator space.
Red Bull, for example, added small wing elements supported by miniature struts, resembling branches of a tree.
This innovative solution allows the teams to utilize the existing actuator housing without major alterations, given the limited time available to fully study the complex vortex structures in that area of the car.
