Top List
Formula 1 Qatar GP
Qatar GP: Latest F1 technical updates on display
Join us as we delve into the latest technical developments from the Qatar Grand Prix at the Losail International Circuit, courtesy of Giorgio Piola and Sutton Images.
Giorgio Piola Matthew Somerfield
Edited: Nov 24, 2021, 9:10 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Giorgio Piola's F1 technical analysis
Giorgio Piola is the preeminent Formula 1 technical journalist. View our full selection of Giorgio's technical illustrative content
Click on the arrows in the images to scroll through them…
Great shot of the Red Bull RB16B’s gearbox carrier, rear crash structure, rear suspension and upright assembly. Note the shaping of the rearward arms near the upright, as they are shaped in a way that better interacts with the winglets mounted on the brake fence (not pictured at the time). Also shows how far forward and high the upper wishbone elements are mounted at the inboard end.
The Mercedes W12 in a state of undress while being prepared gives us a glimpse at the inner workings of the front brake assembly – note the silver bypass pipework, which is twisted to accommodate the shape of the assembly but also to help direct the air which is dumped out the wheel face.
The three outwardly angled ‘r’-shaped winglets on the edge of the Ferrari SF21’s floor.
Ahead of that we have the Z-shaped floor cutout, also note the shape of the floor's edge behind it.
A glimpse into the Ferrari SF21’s cockpit reveals the steering wheel with its various buttons, rotaries and toggles, which are used to help control the power unit and chassis features such as DRS.
A comparison as we take a look into the McLaren MCL35M’s cockpit and glance over its steering wheel too.
An interesting shot of the AlphaTauri AT02 shows the internal makeup of the front upright, including the positioning of the pushrod and the internal pipework that delivers airflow to the components inside the brake duct.
The front brake assembly in a state of undress on the Alpine A521 shows us the bypass pipework beneath, that feeds air out through the wheel face.
Higher downforce rear wing from the selection is mounted on the Red Bull initially, which you’ll note appears to have had the louvred section of the endplate stiffened. The DRS actuator is also exposed so you can see the inner workings.
As the Red Bull mechanics prepare the RB16B for action in this shot we can see that at this point they have their low downforce, spoon-shaped rear wing on the car.
A rare glimpse of the front wing, nose and cape assembly from behind on the Alpine A521.
High downforce rear wing and T-Wing arrangement on the Ferrari SF21, note the dots on the endplate which show how the wing elements of various sizes and attack angles would fit.
Looking down the floor of the Mercedes W12 from behind, we can see the two sets of four angled strakes that the team added to help divert the airflow outboard.
Top-down overview of the Ferrari SF21’s bargeboard cluster for comparison, but also note the slots in the upper elements that are required due to the same slots in the elements below.
Close up of the Ferrari SF21’s rear wing and the DRS actuator pod.
The airbox on the Ferrari SF21, which is subdivided not only for the purposes of structural of the rollover structure within but also to separate the airflow and improve its delivery to the various components that require cooling within.
Close up of the Ferrari SF21’s front brake duct gives an appreciation of how the inlet is divided up into smaller sections to help divert the air collected where it’s required, whether that’s for brake cooling or improving the aerodynamic output.
Great top-down overview of the bargeboard cluster on the Mercedes W12, also note the two diveplanes added on the chassis ahead of the sidepods and the shape of the strakes on the leading edge of the floor.
Asymmetric brake duct layout for Ferrari again in Qatar, albeit with the opposite layout to how they ran in Brazil.
Top-down overview of the Alfa Romeo C41’s front wing – not new but always worth observing just how skinny the uppermost flap is too.
For comparison, here’s a shot of the Red Bull RB16B’s front wing.
Maximum cooling outlet panel in place beside the halo for Mercedes in Qatar.
Alpine is opting for a bodywork panel with a cooling outlet running out the trail leg of the halo.
McLaren has also taken this route for more-open bodywork as it installs a louvred panel beside the cockpit.
The rear cooling outlet on the Mercedes W12 also appears to have been trimmed back slightly (white arrow).
25
Read Also:
- Why Hamilton’s fresh Mercedes F1 engine was a game changer
- FIA to police F1 track limits in five corners at Qatar
- F1 drivers expect fast Qatar track to be “physical”
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article F1 drivers expect fast Qatar track to be “physical”
Next article Montoya: Verstappen didn’t have intention of making Turn 4
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Giorgio Piola
The fascinating story behind McLaren's most iconic F1 car
Formula 1
Formula 1
The fascinating story behind McLaren's most iconic F1 car
Emilia Romagna GP: F1 technical images from Imola's pitlane
Formula 1
Formula 1
Emilia Romagna GP
Emilia Romagna GP: F1 technical images from Imola's pitlane
The F1 downforce choices that proved key at the Saudi GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
The F1 downforce choices that proved key at the Saudi GP
Latest news
WEC drivers question lack of full-course yellow after heavy Monza crash
WEC
WEC WEC
Monza
19 min
WEC drivers question lack of full-course yellow after heavy Monza crash
Kyle Larson, Cliff Daniels and the Hendrick 5 are who we say they are
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
2 h
Kyle Larson, Cliff Daniels and the Hendrick 5 are who we say they are
Final NASCAR Cup points standings after 2026 Homestead finale
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
6 h
Final NASCAR Cup points standings after 2026 Homestead finale
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe