Tech analysis: Sauber's aggressive update push on display in Monaco

However, the trackside engineering team decided that its time would be better spent focused on honing the package that the team had already been using, albeit with a few of the revisions mounted on the C36 for circuit-specific reasons.

The updates carried over from their introduction in Spain include, but are not limited to, a revised front wing, front brake duct complete with vertical winglet on top of the inlet, two-piece turning vanes, cooling outlets on top of the sidepods and a new rear wing.

Turning vanes

The introduction of new turning vanes for Spain would ordinarily see them utilised for at least a few GPs but the team arrived in Monaco with yet another subtle change, splitting the two elements at the footplate.

Three piece deflectors, floor slots and detached scrolls

The area ahead and around the sidepods is one of intense development this season as the team looks to capitalise on the new freedom issued to them under the new regulations.

The update introduced by Sauber in Monaco really takes cues from solutions we've seen used elsewhere, while tying in with what the team has already favoured.

Sauber C36 detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

The most prominent update to this area of the car comes in the form of a revised set of deflectors, with the single airflow conditioner replaced by three deflectors (red arrows) in a similar vein to those utilised by Mercedes since the W08 was unveiled.

You'll also note that, like for Mercedes, this update means that the most rearward deflector is no longer mounted to the floor, freeing up the area for several of the surrounding elements to be revised too.

The floor's axehead that connects with the trailing section of the bargeboard has been increased in length (green arrow), while the small floor scroll on the floors edge (white arrow) now features two mini-winglets rather than one.

This is joined by another mini-winglet further down the floor's edge (purple arrow), with the floor's upturned edge revised to suit.

Sauber C36 floor slot

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

The team has also introduced a floor slot, much like we've seen adopted by the likes of Toro Rosso, Mercedes, Haas and McLaren, although unlike those teams and in keeping with what we've seen from Ferrari it has an almost imperceptible slot further down the floor (yellow arrow).

Sauber C36 tyre squirt

Photo by: Sutton Images

The designers have also revised the area ahead of the rear tyre, adding another, longer slot just ahead of the tyre (red arrow) and, taking a leaf out of McLaren's book, they've placed a scroll on the trailing edge of the floor.

All of this is used to better help manage the effects of tyre squirt - airflow blown into the diffuser's path by the deformation of the tyre that is destructive to the generation of downforce.

Lower T-wing and diffuser

Sauber C36 rear detail

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

Sauber ran a new 'coat-hanger' style T-wing in Spain, which it retained for Monaco, but also decided to run another lower down, just above the cooling outlet given that the drag penalty isn't as high around the street circuit.

You'll note that the team had applied flo-viz when this image was captured as the outer part of the diffuser has been modified and now features a winglet stack similar to the one that Ferrari has been using for a number of years.

The stack helps to build a pressure gradient that not only improves the operation of the diffuser but aids in the displacement of the wake generated by the rear tyre.