F1 News
Red Bull tested new diffuser with shark teeth on Verstappen's car
As Formula 1 experts know, the three free practice sessions of a race weekend are the perfect opportunity for teams to test out upgrades and play around with new set-ups. This is exactly what Red Bull Racing did on Thursday in Monaco. The team tested a new diffuser on Max Verstappen's car.
During the first and second free practice sessions Max Verstappen took to the track with interesting details on the rear of the RB16B. The diffuser also received a lick of 'flow vis' paint for convenience, meant to measure the airflow around the new part with precision.
Shark teeth
Adrian Newey's latest design sees the Dutchman's diffuser equipped with two Gurney flaps on either side of the diffuser. The outer sides of these are also serrated, reminiscent of shark teeth.
Serrated Gurney-style extensions around the periphery of the diffuser on the RB16B#TechF1
— Matthew Somerfield (@SomersF1) May 20, 2021
pic.twitter.com/tBKOoJxXt1
According to an analysis by Motorsport.com this upgrade is meant to increase the load capacity of the rear end, without increasing the resistance during runs too much. Whether the new diffuser has had the desired effect will be seen on Saturday, when we'll see if the Milton Keynes-based team has left the shark teeth in place or not.
