Ferrari and Red Bull introduced a series of targeted technical adjustments in Japan, primarily focused on managing flows and local loads.
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Ferrari and Red Bull are approaching the Japanese Grand Prix in already delicate positions in the championship. The Italian team is 31 points behind the leader after two rounds, while Red Bull, only sixth in the standings, already has a deficit of 86 points. In this context, the upgrades introduced at Suzuka take on particular importance for relaunching their momentum.
At the front, Ferrari reduced the internal outlet section of the brake scoops on the cars of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This choice is part of a compromise allowed by Suzuka’s characteristics, with a reduction in cooling in favor of external aerodynamic gains.
As seen in the exclusive image below, the aerodynamicists of the Scuderia also intervened at the front of the floor of the Ferrari SF-26, with a modification of the front support fairing, which is called a splitter or T-tray in paddock jargon.
This reshaping aims to improve local flow characteristics and recover performance in this specific area. The team notes that this evolution of an innovative car is not specific to Suzuka, unlike the adjustment observed on the brake scoops.
Red Bull reconfigures the sidepod area
For its part, Red Bull brought a coherent set of modifications around the sidepods to Japan, with a logic centered on flow conditioning.
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The sidepod inlet has been redesigned, with revised geometry to better integrate with the chassis and floor. The objective is to capture air at higher pressure upstream, thanks to a profile reworked based on simulations and initial track feedback, to improve overall efficiency.
The visual comparison below shows that the size of the air intakes has been significantly reduced.
As a direct extension of this evolution, the engine cover and surrounding surfaces have been adapted to match this new geometry. The overall aim is to improve both cooling and downstream flow behavior.
This evolution of the sidepods logically leads to an adaptation of the floor.
Its upper surface has been revised to integrate with the new configuration, with modifications that extend forward to the chassis. The stated objective is an increase in generated load.
Red Bull completes this package with adjustments specific to the Japanese circuit at the rear of the car. The air inlet and outlet geometries have been modified at the rear wheels to meet Suzuka’s high braking demands.
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