Technical analysis: Abu Dhabi

F1_technical-galery-abu-dhabi_Mercedes-rear-wing

MERCEDES’ REAR SAW-TOOTH DETAIL

Mercedes also took the opportunity at the season finale to test an intriguing device on the W06’s rear wing. For starters, one can remember that the world champions had already added serrated edges to the top section of the front wing flaps in Japan and Russia.

This time, Mercedes fitted a similar-looking element to the back face of the rear wing’s main board (see white arrows). This saw-tooth detail creates small vortices at the top of each spike, which in turn re-energise and accelerate the airflow. This also helps regain downforce when the DRS-activated flap shuts. As shown on the picture above, flow viz paint was used on the wing’s main board to evaluate the device.

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