Why are Ferrari able to use the apparently ‘illegal’ front-wing design Mercedes were forced to scrap last season?

The front wing of the recently unveiled Ferrari SF-23 raised eyebrows as it features a component similar to one Mercedes were forced to scrap last season.

Why are Ferrari able to use the apparently ‘illegal’ front-wing design Mercedes were forced to scrap last season?

he front wing designs of the: Ferrari SF-23 (L) | Mercedes W13 (R)

When Ferrari revealed their 2023 car, called the SF-23, there were a few things that stood out. First, the livery was almost the same, with more black (carbon) in some parts. The side-pods also looked different. There were many other changes as well. But perhaps one thing that stood out the most is that the front wing featured slot gap separators (that have also been called front wing brackets and flap winglets) similar to those that Mercedes had brought in an upgrade package last season.

Mercedes revised these ‘slot gap separators’ as there were doubts about their legality, and did not use the front wing design in the race. Later, it was ruled that they did not comply with the rules, and were formally banned. So, seeing these on the 2023 Ferrari, people, particularly some Mercedes fans, wondered why this was the case. There were accusations of the FIA targeting Mercedes.

The earlier rules were that these components could not have aerodynamic influence i.e. increased airflow, but could be fitted for “mechanical, structural or measurement reasons.” According to Motorsport.com, The Maranello team are able to run such a front-wing design because the technical regulations for 2023 no longer feature the requirement that these components had to be primarily for mechanical, structural, or measurement reasons.

FS Video

These components are only illegal if they do not provide a structural connection between the consecutive front-wing profiles. If they do that and comply with the measurement prerequisites, they are completely legal. In this case, it would not matter if they provide any aerodynamic advantage. Now, it’s possible that a similar design may return to the Mercedes W14 (fans are hoping it does), which will be unveiled on the 15th.

Read More: “Special,” Charles Leclerc gives first impressions on driving 2023 Ferrari SF-23

Ferrari have ‘completely redesigned’ their 2023 car [from the F1-75]

Charles Leclerc in the 2023 Ferrari SF-23
Charles Leclerc in the 2023 Ferrari SF-23

Everyone inside Ferrari, and their fans are hoping that the SF-23 is the car that will finally bring a championship to Maranello. Preferably both. Ferrari last won the Constructors’ championship in 2008, while Kimi Raikkonen was the last Ferrari man to win the Drivers’ championship, back in 2007. It’s high time that they finally win a title. And for this purpose, their car has been ‘completely redesigned’ from its predecessor, the F1-75.

Enrico Cardile, Ferrari’s ‘Head of Chassis Area’, said: “Our 2023 car is an evolution of the one we raced last year, but in reality, it has been completely redesigned. On the aerodynamic side, we increased vertical downforce, to adapt further to the new aero regulations and achieve the desired balance characteristics. The suspension has also been redesigned, to support aerodynamics and increase the range of adjustments that can be made to the car at the track.”

There have also been changes to the front wing, the front suspension, and the construction of the nose. Cardile also said that the ‘bodywork’ is a more extreme version of the bodywork of the F1-75. We shall find out if their efforts bear fruit when they go up against Red Bull, and possibly, Mercedes, in Bahrain.

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