How F1 teams made the most of the final day of 2023 testing in Bahrain

The third day of testing also allowed us to seek out some more of the interesting technical details we haven’t covered so far, with teams not only trialling new parts but also being less covert with the ones they might have been hiding in the opening few days.

Ferrari introduced a new rear wing design on the third day of running, with several changes – including a different downforce level – but the most obvious development is the switch from a double pylon arrangement to a single pillar.

The new version has two side effects, as the single pillar has a swan-neck top line that connects to the DRS pod, while a circular structure is needed at its base to wrap around the exhaust so it can connect with the crash structure.

There are some trade-offs between the two solutions, not only in terms of their aerodynamic impact but also in their weight and how they deal with the associated loads.

A number of square chequered stickers are placed around the wing, which are monitored by a rear facing camera so that the team can establish whether the wing is performing within tolerances from a flexion point of view.

It’s also interesting to see a design solution appear on this that was used by Alfa Romeo last season, with a teardrop-shaped flap pivot employed (circled, flat style on the other wing, inset). While minimal, there will obviously be some aerodynamic benefits from this arrangement, including pushing the local airflow off the surface differently.

Red Bull Racing RB19 brake detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

A look under the front brake drum on the Red Bull RB19 as the mechanics work on the car reveals some of the changes that have been made by the team heading into 2023. This includes fibrous wadding packed into the assembly to help with heat management.

This is a tactic that Red Bull used early last season before finding the brake assembly’s final form, following numerous changes to the shape of the disc fairing and the coatings applied to it and other brake components, such as the calipers.

The rear end of the Alfa Romeo C43 removed from the car gives a great view of numerous components, from the beam and rear wings, very narrow crash structure, rear suspension (both the arms and some of the inboard elements) and the rear brake ducts, including their associated winglets.

Alfa Romeo C43 rear detail

Photo by: Alfa Romeo

The rear wing and suspension of an Alfa Romeo C43 in the team’s…