Mc Laren MP4/26A – New front wing in last winter test

 

Mc Laren tested a new front wing in last Winter test ( Barcelona ) to boost car’s performance and overcome the inability to challenge Red Bull and Ferrari . The new wing had totally new endplates (1) with a single huge slot  in contrast to the old one which had four smaller slots . The philosophy of this concept is to increase the quantity of air passing under the wing by trapping air flowing outside the endplate surface . The triangular fin at the top of the endplate is also removed while the rear of the endplate is altered to cope better with the new design . Finally the endplates are placed now a bit outer  on the endplate floor (2)  to increase the wing’s effective span .  As regards the flap separator (3) , it is now much shorter and traditional  because there is no need to house the flap adjusting mechanism any more .