P1racenews AI automatic summary:
RacingNews365’s technical analyst Paolo Filisetti casts an eye over an intriguing Ferrari upgrade in Bahrain testing.
The start of the final pre-season F1 test in Bahrain has revealed a new approach from the 11 teams, with a focus on seeking performance rather than analyzing power unit performance.
Ferrari stood out with their deeply modified SF-26 car covered in flow-viz paint, indicating a focus on correlating simulation data with real-world performance.
A notable aerodynamic feature on Ferrari’s car is the FTM appendage behind the engine exhaust pipe, designed to increase rear wing stall on straights and create negative pressure behind the diffuser.
Ferrari’s strategic gearbox design, moving the differential back to allow for aerodynamic appendages, gives them a unique advantage that rivals cannot easily replicate due to regulations.
This gearbox design not only provides immediate aerodynamic benefits but also sets the stage for future upgrades that could further enhance Ferrari’s performance in the long term.
