How Ferrari’s F1 fire video revealed notes of key changes

In a video presented by the Scuderia on Friday of the car fired in Maranello, it appears that we have already received a picture of one of the new design aspects of the car – the airbox.

In recent years Ferrari has used a trapezoidal shape for the airbox (bottom left) and roll bar. However, the video of this chassis shows a more oval design much more similar to what the team used during campaigns 2017 and 18 (bottom right).

Ferrari SF1000 small winglet

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

Ferrari SF70H airbox

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

This design reversal is likely a response to the team trying to find the right balance between cooling and aerodynamics. A redistribution of the various coolers and coolers in the sidepod and around the engine will be implemented for 2021.

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Over the past few seasons, Ferrari has preferred to have most of its cooling in the side pods and even used a “sandwich arrangement” last year (see below), which presumably led to the SF1000 being judged to be too sluggish .

Ferrari mechanic at work at the start

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

While Ferrari mounted some cooling elements behind the engine last year, just like it did in 2017, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t considered a complete rethink, with something like the saddle-style layout like we’ve seen from the Honda teams ( Red Bull, left and McLaren, right) are more than one possibility.

Red Bull Racing RB15, Honda engine

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

McLaren MP4 / 30 intercooler detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

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