In this engine dominated era of Formula One, since the current power unit regulations were introduced back in 2014, we have seen aerodynamics step back somewhat.
But recently we have seen a surge in the performance of the Mercedes and Red Bull at the front of the cars. This is down to the front suspension system with a unique design being implemented to help the aero balance on these two front-running cars.
Back in mid-2014, FRIC (Front to Rear InterConnected) suspension was outlawed due to the aero advantages it brought. The systems were connected to the front push rods and pull rods on the transmission at the rear via hydraulic lines, thus being able to control the car through cornering, and providing better efficiency.
Come 2016, both Mercedes and Red Bull had engineered a new system, which was a FRIC impersonator. Both outfits would run a hydraulic element alongside the conventional heave spring in the bulkhead. This allowed for better control of the front end, which meant the car had a better optimum angle, meaning more downforce and less drag.
Under movement from the tyres, pressure would build up and stored in a cylinder in the side pod, so in theory acting as a hybrid concept. This stored energy could then be used up in an advantageous way than the car can get a better ride height angle.
What’s interesting most of all, is that both Mercedes and Red Bull had their own twist on the system. Mercedes would engineer it to work through high-speed corners, by manipulating the car’s aerodynamic angle with the hydraulics and accumulators.
Meanwhile, Red Bull used it to make the rear end perform better, by using it to enhance the effectiveness of the high angle of rake the team would run. By this the rear would relax back down once past a certain geometry threshold, thus stalling the flow over the rear wing and Y100 winglet and improving the top speed of the car down a straight.
But recently Ferrari’s chief designer Simone Resta wrote a letter to Charlie Whiting claiming that his team was considering introducing such a device but wanted to know if it might be against the current technical regulations.
And the answer was yes, in article 3.15 it states: “Concerning whether a component or system is wholly incidental to the main purpose of the suspension system or have been contrived to directly affect the aerodynamic performance of the car.”
This means a novel idea to help influence the car’s aerodynamic characteristics which are down to the actuating motion of the front suspension can’t be used anymore. This leaves the major three title contenders on a level playing ground as we go into 2017.
With not much time until the 2017 cars are revealed, and with the cars being designed around the front suspension pitch control, it has undoubtedly left Mercedes and Red Bull with a lot to do here.
