Williams, Haas add T-wings to their F1 cars

An opening in the all-new aero regulations for 2017 has meant teams have looked to make aero gains with the use of either a shark fin or a high T-wing on top of the engine cover.

While Mercedes has elected to run the T-wing as a standalone, other teams like Ferrari, Williams and Haas are running the wing at the top of their shark fin.

Rather than adding downforce, the T-wings are likely being used with the aim of helping improve airflow for the rear wing, with the shark fin helping condition airflow when the car is at yaw.

While only four teams have run the T-wing so far, other outfits are almost certain to follow.

McLaren's chief engineer Peter Prodromou said at his team's launch that his outfit were evaluating the idea.

"There is an area, one of the regulations boxes that wasn't covered in the way people expected when they were designing the regulations, which has allowed these T-wings to go in that area," he said. "It is something we are looking at. "

Toro Rosso's James Key also said ahead of pre-season testing that the concept was one his team would now be looking at.

When asked if one would eventually feature on the new STR12, he said: "Probably, I think is the answer to that."