BREAKING AWAY FROM RECENT ENGINE COVER DESIGNS
The leading edge of the FW40’s engine cover seems higher than on its predecessor but one should remember that the rear wing sits at a significantly lower level in 2017. Therefore, we will have to wait for further images to know whether this is just an optical illusion or not.
The base of the fin is solid and no longer hollow (compare yellow arrows), probably in a bid to better align the airflow towards the rear wing, which sits 150mm lower so in an area more exposed to turbulences. That’s why shark fins, which were all the rage in 2008-10, have made a return this year (see the Sauber C36 for instance).
At any rate, the elongated Williams engine cover is a departure from recent designs that used to be very short.
