Ferrari has copied a Mercedes-trick from the last year. Leclerc drives with new rims that have holes.
We can recognize a clear trend developing from the tests in Barcelona. Ferrari is currently the team to beat. This is also confirmed by Mercedes Driver Valtteri Bottas: “Right now Ferrari is ahead of us.”
Ferrari SF90 Rims and Wheels
Apparently, in addition to the innovative rear suspension and the sloping front wing profile, the Scuderia has copied a trick from previous year introduced by Mercedes – the perforated plates within the rim structure. Charles Leclerc was caught by photographers as he was pacing away on these new wheels.
Ferrari and Mercedes quarreled about this design the previous year. Ferrari saw it as a movable aerodynamic tool and asked the FIA for clarification. The FIA, in turn, declared the special rims legal.
The technology behind the concept: A unique arrangement of holes in the spacers on the wheel hubs to help reduce the problem of overheating and blistering of tires.
With this special tire concept, Mercedes was able to significantly improve its performance in 2018. Small outer wings at the edge ensure that by the rotation a vortex is created, which bundles the heat and diverts it to the outside.
So this season Ferrari has decided to make use of this innovative concept and with sharing the same rim manufacturer with Mercedes (OZ) this shouldn’t be an issue.
However, Ferrari’s concept seems to be an improvement over Mercedes. The number of holes was increased as well as the length of the small winglets.
But much more important the individual parts is the of the whole package, and here Ferrari stands out. “The Ferrari looks like a complete whole!,” according to Formula 1 expert Marc Surer.
He, too observed: “The acceleration is almost digital. As soon as Vettel accelerates, the power is on. Apparently, the whole package of the main drive harmonize extremely well.”
Indeed, according to F1 Insider, Ferrari has currently the best drive. New Ferrari Boss Mattia Binotto only smiles and warns: “Never underestimate Mercedes!“
