Jun.5 (GMM) Formula 1’s top teams have arrived in Monaco with some eye-catching rear wing innovations after discovering an unusual opportunity created by the circuit’s unique rules.
Because the FIA has disabled the active aerodynamic ‘straight-line mode’ for Monaco, teams suddenly have spare space in the centre of their rear wings where the actuator mechanism would normally operate.
Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren have all taken advantage.
The result is a series of unusual winglet designs mounted high above the rear wing, in an area that would normally be occupied by the straight-line mode hardware.
Mercedes appears to have taken the most aggressive approach.
The team has used the vacant actuator mounts to install novel aerodynamic surfaces designed to generate additional downforce with minimal drag penalty.
Red Bull has also exploited the opportunity, although with a simpler solution resembling a miniature ‘monkey seat’ arrangement.
Monaco favourites Ferrari, however, appears not to have introduced a comparable design.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli confirmed Mercedes has arrived with new components. “Ferrari will be very strong,” the Italian predicted.
“They’re the favourites here, but we’ve brought new front and rear wings, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Due to the unique Monaco layout, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri expects a more conventional race weekend as a result.
“We should have full energy here,” he said.
“There are, in a way, limitations on how the energy is released. It’s not full throttle everywhere.”
Piastri believes Monaco’s layout should naturally reduce some of the ‘Mario Kart’ comparisons that have followed Formula 1’s new regulations.
“It should be relatively straightforward racing here,” he said.
“It could be more difficult with the cars because we have less downforce. But let’s keep our fingers crossed that we’ll have a much more normal race weekend as far as the racing is concerned.”