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| Ferrari F138 |
Ferrari have unveiled their new Formula 1 car admitting that they have to change their recent trend and perform from the start of the season.
"There are some very positive aspects of the new Ferrari - and some that I'm not quite as excited about.
"The rear-end treatment, from the back of the engine, looks like a positive step forward.
"I was very critical of their car in that area last year - it was messy, with radiator outlets disrupting the airflow.
"It's much cleaner this year, with a much more aggressive treatment of the 'coke-bottle' area where the bodywork sweeps in between the rear wheels, an area they neglected in 2012. And it looks as if they have a very small gearbox, because the bodywork at the back is very low.
"That's all good for keeping the airflow as effective as possible in a crucial area and it looks like a big step forward.
"Forward of that, I'm less sure. The coke-bottle starts early, which is a very aggressive pursuit of downforce, but can lead to problems. I might have stayed clear of that and I think Ferrari might be the only team doing that.
"I looked at the new McLaren and saw a lot of positive points. The list of obvious gains is smaller on the Ferrari but we'll have to see how it goes on the track."
"The rear-end treatment, from the back of the engine, looks like a positive step forward.
"I was very critical of their car in that area last year - it was messy, with radiator outlets disrupting the airflow.
"It's much cleaner this year, with a much more aggressive treatment of the 'coke-bottle' area where the bodywork sweeps in between the rear wheels, an area they neglected in 2012. And it looks as if they have a very small gearbox, because the bodywork at the back is very low.
"That's all good for keeping the airflow as effective as possible in a crucial area and it looks like a big step forward.
"Forward of that, I'm less sure. The coke-bottle starts early, which is a very aggressive pursuit of downforce, but can lead to problems. I might have stayed clear of that and I think Ferrari might be the only team doing that.
"I looked at the new McLaren and saw a lot of positive points. The list of obvious gains is smaller on the Ferrari but we'll have to see how it goes on the track."
Ferrari F138's Main New Features:
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| Ferrari F138 |
The rear of the car is more compact than the F2012. The exhausts do not reach the floor, as with the Red Bull, and are similar to the ones introduced by McLaren on the MP4-28.
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| Ferrari F138 |
This view shows the larger space under the nose and the massive keel underneath which distributes air via the sides of the car to the rear end. The F138 looks much more attractive without the step.
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| Ferrari F138 |
The front of the car has a much more classic look. The rear exhaust area and the gearbox look more refined and elaborate than the previous model. The goal is better aerodynamics.
