Intriguing slots on the Red Bull’s rear wing
Modern F1 cars usually feature rear wings’ endplates that are pierced with:
(1) several horizontal slots. These aim to control the vortex that is generated in the area because of the pressure difference, which in turn increases drag.
(2) a single vertical edge. This helps reduce “tyre wake”, the air turbulence coming off the rotating rear wheels. Indeed these deflect airflow and push it laterally towards the diffuser.
Aerodynamicists at Red Bull have elected to merge both sorts of notch on the RB11’s rear wing for the second Barcelona test. Paddock observers have yet to decipher the rationale behind the new intriguing design, which allows more airflow to circulate through the rear wing’s endplates.
