They seek to improve the visibility of pilots when racing in the rain

Ferrari put to the test, at the request of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the new fenders on the tires of their SF-24 on their tracks Fiorano. The team experimented with this system that reduces the amount of water that vehicles put out when it rains to improve visibility for those coming from behind. As with any change of look, fans have various opinions about it. And the eternal debate began: Aesthetics or functionality?

The tests were carried out with the authorization of the FIA ​​on the main straight of the track with the asphalt artificially wet to simulate a race in the rain. There, two cars went out to race: an F1-15 with the fender, and an SF-24 without any additions. Then, in a second round, two Ferrari cars tested the “anti spray”. The Italian media Formu1a.uno He shared photos of the tests and the comparison between both cars.

The problem of racing in the rain still does not have a fixed solution, although Pirelli, the tire supplier to most Formula 1 teams, is working on rubber that performs better on wet asphalt. In the meantime, the FIA ​​tested this initiative together with Ferrari, and, despite how unaesthetic they look, there seems to be a noticeable change.

The direction of the spray with the covered tire tends to go to the sides, while the uncovered rubber ejects all the water backwards, reducing the drivers’ visibility. “We still have doubts about what the real proportion is between the spray coming from the tires and that generated by the diffuser”commented Nikolas TombazisFIA engineer and technician.

The fenders cover the entire tire, except for the part that makes contact with the asphalt, and two versions were tested: one completely closed and another with some openings.

“I understand that this would be used to eliminate the spray that comes out of the wheels and leaves the pilots practically without visibility. The tire/asphalt contact patch will remain the same and the human factor (the talented one) will continue to make the same difference“explained Esteban Guerrieri, Argentine TCR pilot.

Tombazis added that “Today’s objective was precisely to try to limit the splashes caused by the tires, also thinking about 2026 when the problem generated by the diffuser will tend to be reduced, thanks to its lesser influence on those cars”.

Rain and Formula 1 were never friends, given the danger involved in driving on wet asphalt and with reduced visibility. Both the FIA ​​and Pirelli are actively working to resolve the situation, although their designs are not fan favorites.