F1i’s Nicolas Carpentiers provides you with images and explanations of the technical concepts and novelties spotted at the inaugural Baku race last weekend.
FERRARI’S COLD CHAIN
One will remember that the Ferrari 059/5 power unit cools down the turbocharged air in two steps. The airflow first goes through a triangular air-to-air radiator located above the gearbox: the device is mounted vertically on the Ferrari and Haas, while it sits horizontally on the Sauber. A large duct then channels the air to a second intercooler, which we had yet to see.
Above are pictures of Sauber’s Ferrari unit, which shows the aforementioned radiator. Also sporting a triangular shape, the component is slightly tilted and attached to the front of the engine. When the power unit is fitted into the chassis, this second intercooler slots into the monocoque itself.
The Mercedes W07’s single intercooler occupies a similar position, though it sits at a lower level. Ferrari’s two-pronged cooling installation led the Maranello engineers to design a slimmer oil tank that has been moved to the right in order to free up the required space for the second intercooler.
Last but not least, one will notice the singular ‘V’ shape of the air filter, as well as how compactly installed the exhaust pipes are.
When F1’s radically redesigned 2026 cars finally roll out in Barcelona at the end of…
Max Verstappen has never been one to sugar-coat reality – and as Formula 1 braces…
Ferrari have survived decades of criticism about strategy calls, driver politics and pit stops that…
While the paddock has been whispering for months that Mercedes might be holding the winning…
Dan Gurney passed away on this day in 2018, and here at F1i we'll never…
What began as a painful reminder of loss has ended with a moment of profound…