Imo Red Bull's flaps are at a steeper angle. You can see it in comparison with both Merc and Mclaren. It doesn't seem like a coincidence to me.
Imo Red Bull's flaps are at a steeper angle. You can see it in comparison with both Merc and Mclaren. It doesn't seem like a coincidence to me.
We would need side-on or top-down pictures of both to really tell. I think that the different distribution of the 2nd and 3rd elements also creates a bit of an optical illusion, so it's difficult. That said, I'm confident that several teams aren't maximizing the front wings within legality, so it's not a given that the rear wings are completely maximized either.
I am 99% sure everyone running a max downforce rear wing. If the wings are the same in Monaco, than we can be sure.Brahmal wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 03:50We would need side-on or top-down pictures of both to really tell. I think that the different distribution of the 2nd and 3rd elements also creates a bit of an optical illusion, so it's difficult. That said, I'm confident that several teams aren't maximizing the front wings within legality, so it's not a given that the rear wings are completely maximized either.
are there two separate vortex generator strakes at the rear of the footplate on the front wing ?
It seems with CFD goggles on that the redbull one creates a vortex to help the the floor edge when the wheel is turned inboard, and the Mercedes one creates a vortex that flows to the corner of the side pod.AR3-GP wrote: ↑23 May 2026, 19:56Alignment of front wing styles between RB and Merc. One thing that remains distinct for Red Bull is the direction of the diveplane. Mclaren and Mercedes have downturning diveplane. RB runs an upturning dive plane.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HI-5zNwWUAE ... name=large
The RedBull one has clearly more frontal area. No doubt about it.michl420 wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 12:56I am 99% sure everyone running a max downforce rear wing. If the wings are the same in Monaco, than we can be sure.Brahmal wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 03:50We would need side-on or top-down pictures of both to really tell. I think that the different distribution of the 2nd and 3rd elements also creates a bit of an optical illusion, so it's difficult. That said, I'm confident that several teams aren't maximizing the front wings within legality, so it's not a given that the rear wings are completely maximized either.
You balance it with the FW. With SLM no one can afford to forego efficient downforce from the RW so they all use maximum legality. Merc even uses those inefficient sticky up wings on the rear, trying to squeeze every bit of DF from that area.PlatinumZealot wrote: ↑29 May 2026, 01:17The RedBull one has clearly more frontal area. No doubt about it.michl420 wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 12:56I am 99% sure everyone running a max downforce rear wing. If the wings are the same in Monaco, than we can be sure.Brahmal wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 03:50
We would need side-on or top-down pictures of both to really tell. I think that the different distribution of the 2nd and 3rd elements also creates a bit of an optical illusion, so it's difficult. That said, I'm confident that several teams aren't maximizing the front wings within legality, so it's not a given that the rear wings are completely maximized either.
The teams chose the best overall downforce level for the rear wing as this must balance with the rest of the car.
Maximum rear DF, means your floor and front wing must be balanced with it. high DF front wing is not always the best in the last few generations of car.
The problem is actually the aero map. Improving the ride for bumpy tracks is trivial. Soften the springs and raise the ride height so the car doesn't bottom. When you raise the ride height, you lose floor downforce. How much? It depends on the strength of the aero map.
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/wher ... r-problem/Mekies admitted that while dialling out problems with bouncing over kerbs was straightforward in itself, the challenge really comes from doing it in a way that does not give up laptime.
"The guys are doing all the analysis in the world back at the factory to try to come up with a solution that not only fix the issues, but fix the issues by bringing lap time," he said.
“It will probably be quite easy to fix the issues, but it would make the car slower. So you want to fix the issues and to bring laptime. It's a complex issue, but we love complex issues.
The FIA really screwed up with these regs. These mini wings here there and everywhere on all the cars are just taking the piss.
Hello darkness, my old friend. Welcome back, 2001 abominations