A SURPRISINGLY TIGHT AIRBOX
With more mechanical grip and downforce on 2017-spec chargers, engine demands will increase this year, resulting in the 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged power units releasing more heat.
Yet, and this might come a surprise, the Ferrari airbox intake, located above the driver’s helmet, is not much bigger than last year’s version.
Like the new McLaren, the SF70H does not sport the sort of oval-shaped roll-hoop will multiple inlets seen on their rivals.
To compensate, a second aperture has been pierced behind the driver’s head, a solution already spotted on the MCL32.
A tight airbox helps reduce drag and improve airflow circulation towards the rear wing, which sits lower as part of 2017’s aero rules shake-up.
The wing is thus more exposed to dirty air coming around the airbox. The tighter the latter is, the cleaner the airflow.
Ferrari’s smaller airbox intake is a hint that cooling has been optimised around the car, notably thanks to better airflow circulation towards the sidepod inlets.
