Aston Martin and Red Bull have made significant investments in state-of-the-art wind tunnel facilities to gain a competitive edge in the dynamic world of GT and Formula 1 motorsports. These new wind tunnels are set to play a crucial role in the development of their exceptional machinery, as they strive to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Browsing: Aerodynamics
As the 2024 Dakar Rally approaches, Aston Martin, Red Bull, and McLaren are investing in brand-new wind tunnel facilities, highlighting the relentless quest for aerodynamic superiority in the off-road racing scene. Explore the challenges of establishing correlation between wind tunnel data and real-world performance, and the ongoing pursuit of aerodynamic perfection.
McLaren has emerged as a formidable challenger in the Dakar Rally, unveiling a series of aerodynamic upgrades to its MCL38 car. The key changes include a revised brake duct scoop, front suspension fairings, and a new bi-plane style beam wing arrangement, all aimed at boosting the car’s efficiency and performance.
Ahead of the WEC Interlagos round, Ferrari has revealed the first performance upgrades for its 499P Le Mans Hypercar, focusing on redesigned brake cooling ducts and minor aerodynamic modifications. The changes are expected to provide greater versatility and easier adaptation of the car on circuits with demanding braking requirements, as the Scuderia looks to capitalize on the upgrades and close the gap to the championship-leading Porsche team.
In a bid to gain an edge over their rivals, the McLaren Formula 1 team arrived at the British Grand Prix with a new, lower downforce rear wing assembly for their MCL38 car. The goal was to boost the car’s top speed performance on the high-speed Silverstone circuit.
Red Bull Racing, known for its cutting-edge Formula 1 engineering, has been applying a similar level of meticulous attention to the cooling challenges faced by its Dakar contenders. The team’s focus on refining the sidepod inlet and outlet designs is crucial in the high-speed, off-road world of the Dakar Rally, where temperature, altitude, and terrain variations demand optimal performance across diverse conditions.
Ferrari has fast-tracked a new upgrade package for the Spanish Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the aerodynamic performance and stability of the SF-24. The team’s performance engineer, Jock Clear, explained that the updates are designed to make the car ‘a bit more benign and calm it down a bit,’ with key changes to the bodywork, floor, and diffuser.
The 2026 Dakar Rally will see significant changes to the powertrain and chassis design of competing vehicles, with a shift towards hybrid power and lighter, more aerodynamic structures. Teams will face challenges in meeting the new weight requirements, but the changes promise to enhance the on-track racing experience for Dakar enthusiasts.
As the 2024 Formula 1 season reaches its prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, teams have had to carefully consider their rear wing configurations to optimize performance around the tight and twisty street circuit. Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull each took a unique approach to their rear wing designs for the Monte Carlo weekend, highlighting the importance of maximizing downforce and balance in the unique low-speed, high-grip environment of the Monaco circuit.