McLaren takes inspiration from Ferrari for its rear-end solutions, but the British team cannot faithfully replicate the shapes of the red car. The limitation is dictated by the FIA regulatory boxes, which are restricted by the more rearward position of the differential decided during the design phase.
Ferrari’s rear-end work with the FTM exhaust
The Maranello team is, in fact, the best interpreter of the regulations regarding this area of the single-seater. Ever since the Bahrain testing, the SF-26 hit the track with the FTM exhaust combined with the chute running laterally along the crash structure.
The combination of these aerodynamic appendages, which were revised during the second tranche of Bahrain tests and subsequently modified throughout the season (top illustration), is designed to increase the downforce generated and manage it in all driving conditions.
The Ferrari-inspired McLaren solution
Like the rest of the grid, McLaren has also partially copied the solution. First of all, they introduced a small appendage reminiscent of a monkey seat at the exhaust exit, with the aim of exploiting the exhaust blowing from the German power unit.
Furthermore, as we can observe through the illustration, the Woking team adopts the lateral chute combined with some appendages (indicated by the arrows). It is interesting to note how the up-swept portion is divided into two elements to create a small slot gap.
This micro-aerodynamic work at the rear end is designed to generate a certain level of upwash, contribute to the exhaust blowing, and, consequently, increase the generated downforce. A solution that, however, only partially recreates the benefits achieved on the Ferrari SF-26.
