Tech F1i: A closer look at the Haas VF-17

Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Test One - Day 1 - Barcelona, Spain

PART OF THE ‘T’-WING COMMUNITY

Like most other cars, the new Haas is fitted with a shark fin engine cover that aims at aligning the airflow towards the rear wing, which sits 150mm lower than on last year’s models. However, the triangular dent made in the fin (see yellow arrow) stands out compared to rival machines.

Sitting atop the shark fin is a ‘T’-wing, which first appeared on the Mercedes W08 and graces other cars such as the Ferrari and Williams. The rationale behind this striking solution is not to generate downforce but to optimise the air flowing towards the rear wing.

Sculpted in the Maranello windtunnel and put together with Ferrari components under the watchful eye of chief design Rob Taylor, the Haas VF-17 will face higher expectations one year on from its predecessor’s strong start to life in F1.

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