F1’s return to Europe: A flurry of upgrades

Ferrari – 2

Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari SF15-T. 08.05.2015. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 5, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Images

The engine cover has been tightened around the back to make best use of the revamped sidepods. One can also spot a small winglet (see the herringbone pattern on the left-hand side) located just before the diffuser’s gurney flap.

While the exact rationale behind the device remains unclear, we can assume it aims at cleaning the dirty wake coming off the rear wheels in order to ensure optimum operating conditions for the diffuser. Looking at the double flap’s positioning, the device would thus create a thin and highly energised layer of air that would suck the dirty wake upwards.