Tech F1i - Still evolving in Abu Dhabi

 

HAAS AND McLAREN LOOKING FOR ANSWERS ON HALO

With the introduction of the Halo looming ever larger, Haas added seven triangle-shaped vortex generators on the cockpit protection device it ran in Abu Dhabi. The elements, which can be usually found on the diffuser (see bottom image), produce small vortices that add momentum to the boundary layer.

By placing the vortex generators close to the expected area of airflow separation, the US team looked to use the extra speed to delay the phenomenon and ultimately curb drag. Given the FIA-mandated loads the Halo will have to withstand, the system is bound to be quite heavy – Force India’s Andy Green reckons it should be around 14kg –, which will only be partially offset with a 6kg increase in minimal weight. Quite the headache indeed.

McLaren added three-plane fins on the protection device during the Pirelli tests.