Wheel fairings / "embellishers"

Boo · Post 20 Apr 2009, 12:37

Hi,

I saw the Chinese GP yesterday which was the first time I've watched F1 in a long time. I noticed that several of the teams have covers on the front wheel hubs which look a bit like cut off wheel embellishers. Red Bull was one team with them but there was at least one other. The bits I am talking about seem to be stationary so seeminly must be attached to the axle which must in turn protrude completely through the wheel. Am I right in this ? If so then what are they for ?

Thanks,

Boo

DaveKillens · Post 20 Apr 2009, 13:28

Welcome to the forum Boo. These brake fairings, especially noticeable on the fronts, are allowed because of a loophole in the regulations concerning the brakes. Supposedly, they assist the airflow to the brakes. But in reality, they assist the airflow around and over the tires, which is very important. Yes, they do not rotate (fronts only), and yes, quite a few teams run them. For instance, Ferrari and McLaren are very prominent.
There's lot of discussion about these very features in the forum, just search.

bar555 · Post 20 Apr 2009, 13:42

Wellcome to the forum ,

here are some links that will help you

Wheel fairings / "embellishers"

Wheel fairings / "embellishers"

Re: Wheel fairings / "embellishers"

Re: Wheel fairings / "embellishers"