FERRARI FLEXING ITS MUSCLES
Ferrari engineers have also strengthened the vane stemming from a notch made in the floor. While several cars feature floor slits, these had remained framed up until now.
On the SF70 however, the dent starts from the edge of the floor to form an open-end cut. This results in forming a fin that only connects to the floor on one side, with Ferrari using a metallic part in a bid to make the design sturdier at Sakhir (see white arrows).
One can assume that the component bends slightly and allows high-pressure air underneath the car from above to create a kind of skirt that seals the edges of the diffuser.
The part’s bending was likely to be insufficiently monitored, as shown by the slow-motion images from the Chinese Grand Prix where one could see the fin oscillating, presumably in an irregular manner. In strengthening the vane, the added metallic part probably ensures its flexing is compliant with the regulations as well.
What’s more, Ferrari tested a double monkey seat (see green arrows) in Bahrain, while also installing a widened engine cover to improve cooling, just like all other teams. Finally, two micro-openings were made in the nose in order to keep the cockpit fresh.
