How F1 teams chased big top speed gains in Baku

Ferrari installed a new rear wing on the SF-23 which featured a revised layout for the mainplane, top flap and the tip section of the endplate.  

These changes all appeared subtle at first but, when overlaid (inset), we can see how different the two solutions are.

Notably the central spoon-shaped section of the mainplane has been flattened, whilst a steeper gradient is used in the outboard section where the mainplane and top flap meet with the endplate. 

And, while Ferrari had preferred the sawn-off tip section for its endplate before, the new variant has been returned to a more conventional square edge layout.

Red Bull was the exception in Baku, as it continued to utilise the arrangement that’s propelled it towards the top of the speed trap charts throughout the course of the first three events.

Just as we’ve seen in the opening races, Red Bull opted for a lower downforce rear wing variant and paired it with just a single beam wing element, in an effort to reduce drag on the straights, without overly compromising its cornering performance.

Mercedes W14 rear detail

Photo by: Uncredited

Mercedes has already focused its attention on the upper corner cut out section of the endplate throughout the course of these new regulations, with the team designing its endplate in such a way that the section can be changed quickly without the need to completely dismantle the entire wing.

As part of its ongoing development process, subtle changes were made to the shape of the endplate and tip section for Azerbaijan to improve flow around its upper corner, with the team carrying various corner cut out and infill panels in order that it can trim downforce and drag levels accordingly.

Alpine A523 rear wing detail

Photo by: Uncredited

Alpine A523 front wing detail with sensors

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

Alpine’s new rear wing solution features an interesting approach to the design of the mainplane and upper flap’s leading edge, as they’re both recessed when compared with a traditional layout (red arrows).

This means the mainplane and top flap are not only taking up very little space in terms of the allowable box region but the chord of both is also significantly reduced.

To balance out the car, Alpine’s designers have also taken an equally intriguing approach with its front wing, opting to cut away a crescent-shaped section at the inboard end of the…