Analysis
Formula 1
Tech analysis: Red Bull's design tweaks for Australia
Looking to challenge Mercedes and Ferrari in Melbourne, Red Bull has made some subtle changes to its RB13 challenger.
Giorgio Piola Matt Somerfield
Edited: Mar 24, 2017, 1:41 PM
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The RB13 is a clean and elegant design, with the team's differing approach to generating downforce uncompromised by the increased regulatory area within the new regulations, which are creating fussy aerodynamic surfaces elsewhere on the grid.
It remains startling just how sparse the car is when compared with the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari.
Red Bull Racing RB 13, bargeboards
Photo by: Giorgio Piola
However, like any other car on the grid, the RB13 remains a work in progress - and the Australian Grand Prix has indeed seen Red Bull tweak its design.
The bargeboards, an area of intense development up and down the pitlane, have been trimmed, the leading of the two elements cut down midway along its length, while the secondary section has had 3/4 of its upper edge cut away (red arrows), with Red Bull aiming to improve how flow moves around the central section of the car.
The footplate (blue arrow) has also been revised in both its width and shape, with an additional fluted upturn presented to the airflow on the leading edge, as the team looks to entice airflow under the bargeboard.
Meanwhile, the sidepod airflow conditioner, which previously only arched over the sidepod's shoulder to meet with a lonesome vortex generator, has been revised, being replaced by a substantial leading edge slat. The slat features a delta shape to its trailing edge, shaping the airflow as it’s guided over the sidepod.
Red Bull Racing RB13, front wing detail
Photo by: Giorgio Piola
The team also investigated the amount of flex present in its front wing, affixing stickers to the endplate (arrowed) that offer a reference point as slow motion footage is captured in order to discern whether the wing is producing the desired effect.
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