THAT’S A WRAP
For aerodynamic purposes, F1 teams have kept the same wheelbase dimensions they had before the new radical hybrid power units were introduced into the sport.
Due to the 100kg restriction on fuel consumption, the current generation of V6s and their tank are smaller than their V8 counterparts. So engineers and designers had to make the case longer in order to have a similar wheelbase length. This size increase has freed some space in the housing since the gearbox itself has kept the same dimensions. Part of this extra space is now occupied by the turbine, which sits behinds the internal combustion engine.
Ferrari’s concept cannot be copied until at least next year
And this is the area where the new SF15-T stands out from its rivals. As one can see on the Red Bull’s installation above, as well as on the McLaren’s and Mercedes’ assemblies below, other gear cases have an open U shape and leave some space for the turbine and exhaust. On the other hand, Ferrari’s layout encapsulates both elements thanks to a closed, O-shaped design.
And no other team will be able to copy Ferrari’s idea until next year for they would need to come up with a brand new gearbox. Maybe Ferrari’s creativity won’t prove enough to reel in Mercedes, but at least it shows the Italian squad gears up to cut the gap to the defending champions.
