TECHNICAL: Red Bull and Mercedes with the least loaded rear wings at Spa
Red Bull have elected to use an ambitious aerodynamic configuration, running the least loaded rear wing among the leading four F1 teams. F1Technical's senior writer Balazs Szabo
Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most spectacular tracks, very popular with teams and drivers because of its technical complexity and the challenges it presents.
It is the longest track on the calendar, exceeding the seven kilometre mark by four metres. Its three sectors have very different characteristics: the first is the quickest and includes what are probably the most famous corners, Eau-Rouge and Raidillon.
Following the combination of Eau-Rouge and Raidillon, driver complete a long straight, followed by a heavy braking area. The second sector is more twisty, featuring a mix of medium-speed corners, several of them downhill, whilst the third sector is more flowing with a slight but nevertheless noticeable incline.
Red Bull appear to use the same low-load wing which they ran last time out at the British Grand Prix. The ambitious aerodynamic configuration saw Verstappen grab pole position at Silverstone, but it hindered the Dutchman's chances in slippery rainy conditions in the race.
However, with the Spa-Francorchamps circuit featuring fewer medium-high speed corners and more time spent on full throttle than Silverstone, the balance clearly favours low drag rather than high downforce.
Considering the four leading teams, Mercedes opted for an intermediate level. The Brackley-based outfit opted for a main plane that is steeper than what Red Bull elected to use, but it still features a flat central section to cut drag.
Ferrari and McLaren elected to rear wing that produce higher loads than the ones used by Red Bull and Mercedes. However, the Italian and the British outfit differ in terms of configuration despite the similarity considering the overall aerodynamic load.
McLaren's rear wing features a similarly steep upper flap with a square corner. However, there is a big difference in terms of trailing edge as Ferrari uses a small centre line V cutout. The latter is a result of the effect of the DRS actuator as its positions means that the energy in the flow to that section of the flap is not as strong so it will separate on the undersurface earlier.
The two teams use fairly loaded main plane, but they feature different design. Ferrari's main plane is a V-shaped element while McLaren opted to a main plane that features a V-shaped central section, but its outer section is flat. It reduces the load nearer to the wing endplate and adds some load nearer the centre of the car.
Among the midfield teams, Haas is running the least loaded rear wing while Aston Martin is using a similar configuration to McLaren. Alpine, Racing Bulls, Williams and Kick Sauber opted for a similar rear wing to Ferrari.
