P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine and Williams pursue Mercedes-inspired F1 front wing idea
The design of the car’s front wing focuses on enhancing the outwash effect by modifying the connection between the flaps and the endplate. Although the regulations aimed to limit this effect to improve racing, teams like Mercedes have found ways to reclaim lost performance by innovating new solutions. Mercedes initially proposed a similar design in 2022, later adapting to the semi-detached approach due to regulation changes for 2023. This design alteration has since been adopted by other teams, demonstrating its potential for aerodynamic optimization. Key elements in this design include cutting away the lower rear portion of the endplate, displacing the flap tips, and introducing vertical twists to enhance vortex structures. Additional enhancements, like horizontal winglets and tweaks to diveplanes and flaps, contribute to improving the overall flow structures in this aerodynamic region. Teams such as Williams and Alpine have made specific adjustments to their front wing designs to capitalize on these aerodynamic improvements, resulting in significant changes to the overall shape, function, and load structure of the front wing elements.
