Significant Floor Changes for Ferrari
During the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari was the first leading team to introduce substantial upgrades to their car, focusing on a crucial area for performance: the floor. New floor fences, an edge wing, and a diffuser were introduced during the first day of practice.
The new floor fences showcased a more extreme design compared to what was utilized until Japan. As illustrated in the provided drawing, this version has a different connection to the main floor and a reconfigured central fence shape. The two small vortex generators connecting the outer fence to the floor have also been elongated and positioned further back than before, as indicated by the blue arrows. This modification is further emphasized by a yellow line illustrating a more pronounced parabola compared to the version used in Suzuka.
Additionally, the central floor fence now features a trimmed upper edge in its terminal section (marked by an orange arrow), primarily aimed at altering the management of vortices directed towards the undercut.
SF-25 floor fences Bahrain vs. Japan
Improving Aerodynamics and Performance
The redesign of the floor edge wing involved changes in the quantity and shape of vortex diverters at the front edge. In Bahrain, three pointed vortex generators were utilized, diverging from the previous version. Furthermore, the upper section of the profile connects with the “knife” behind it in a more curved manner. This new configuration likely aids in diverting front tire turbulence while creating productive vortices to better seal the floor, thereby working alongside the earlier mentioned floor fences to enhance downforce from the Venturi channels.
SF-25 floor edge Bahrain vs. Japan
Moreover, a new diffuser was also implemented on the SF-25, characterized by a “lip” in the middle section, situated just above the tail end of the boat area (indicated by a pink arrow). This addition aims to enhance flow extraction and consequently increase generated downforce. A new vertical winglet located next to the rear wing pylon support aims to boost the aerodynamic efficiency of the rear, closely resembling the “cobra” winglet on the SF-25 which serves the same purpose.
SF-25 diffuser Bahrain vs. Japan
All these upgrades were initially tested by Lewis Hamilton in FP1 before being fitted onto Leclerc’s car, which was then driven by newcomer Dino Beganovic during the latter part of the session. The modifications appeared to yield the desired results, significantly enhancing downforce mainly at the rear end, where the SF-25 had been struggling all season, as noted by Fred Vasseur following Friday’s practice: “We have a good reading of the downforce on the car, and it is positive that we got what we expected this weekend. […] We’re talking about a small step forward in terms of downforce.”
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