New Ferrari SF70H Exploits same Regulation Loophole as Mercedes W08

The new Ferrari SF70H was launched today and possesses some very interesting features, including a T-wing and some very unique looking sidepods.

The T-wing, positioned just in front of the rear-wing see’s Ferrari exploit the same loophole as the new Mercedes W08. The feature is there to direct airflow into the rear-wing more effectively and should give each team a slight boost, especially when DRS is deployed.

On Ferrari’s Official Website, the comment on the aerodynamic concept of the SF70T is,

“On this topic, the Gestione Sportiva group has concentrated its efforts on finding the right compromise between downforce and aerodynamic resistance, or drag. The new Pirelli tyres are much wider than in the past, by 6 centimetres each at the front and 8 at the rear. This increased frontal area constitutes a “brake” on forward motion as does the increased downforce coming from the 2017 specification front wing, floor and diffuser. Countering this effect, the combination of downforce and the bigger footprint from the tyres translates into increased grip, leading to higher cornering speeds.”

The sidepods are also unusual, like nothing seen on the 2017 grid so far. The sidepod is combined with the turning vane so it looks like the car has holes on the top of it. On the chassis, Ferrari said,

There are several differences between the 668 project and Ferraris from the recent past: the lengthened nose and the arrow-shaped wing are a consequence of the regulations, as is the obvious fin on the engine cover and the more complex aero appendages ahead of the air intakes on the sidepods, whose unusual shape was designed in harmony with the front crash structure. Visible at the front is a duct that has an aerodynamic role, while behind the driver, the roll-hoop, which incorporates the engine air intake has been completely redesigned. Also updated is the suspension layout, which still retains a push rod design at the front with pull rods at the rear. The hubs and wheel nuts have been redesigned to facilitate the work of the mechanics when changing wheels during the pit stops. Finally, also as a function of the expected increase in performance this year, the power-steering and braking systems have been upsized.

Could this be the Ferrari that wins races again?