The 63rd single-seater designed and built by Scuderia Ferrari to take part in the Formula 1 World Championship is born out of a regulation change that is without precedent in this category of motor sport. Generally, in the past, regulations went in the direction of slowing down the cars. This year, the rule changes go in the opposite direction. That means the cars have more aerodynamic downforce and more mechanical grip.
The name is in homage of the 70-year anniversary from the appearance of the first Ferrari-badged car.
Aerodynamic concept
Ferrari concentrated its efforts on finding the right compromise between downforce and aerodynamic resistance, or drag. The new Pirelli tyres are much wider than in the past. The front are wider by 6 centimetres and 8 at the rear. This increased frontal area constitutes a “brake” on forward motion as does the increased downforce. The increased downforce comes from the 2017 specification front wing, floor and diffuser. Countering this effect, the combination of downforce and the bigger footprint from the tyres translates into increased grip, leading to higher cornering speeds.
Chassis
There are several differences between the SF70H and Ferraris from the recent past. Among them are the long nose and the wing (with an arrow shape). They are a consequence of the regulations, as is the obvious fin on the engine cover and the more complex aero appendages ahead of the air intakes on the sidepods. The sidepods have an unusual shape – its desig is in harmony with the front crash structure. Visible at the front is a duct that has an aerodynamic role, while behind the driver, the roll-hoop, which incorporates the engine air intake has been completely redesigned.
Also updated is the suspension layout. It still retains a push rod design at the front with pull rods at the rear. The hubs and wheel nuts have been redesigned to facilitate the work of the mechanics when changing wheels during the pit stops. Finally, also as a function of the expected increase in performance this year, the power-steering and braking systems have been upsized.
Power Unit
In contrast to the aerodynamics, when it comes to the power unit, there have been few changes to the regulations. The main one concerns the amount of fuel per race. The amount increased from 100 to 105 kg, although the flow rate is still 100 kg/hour. The 062 engine is a definite step forward in comparison to its predecessor, when it comes to chasing performance. There’s revised layout of some of the mechanical components on the hybrid power unit, while other areas maintain a similar layout to the 2016 car. On the sporting regulation front, the abolition of the “Token” system allows the teams more room for development over the course of the season.
Ferrari SFH70 – technical data
| Engine | |
| Capacity | 1600 cc |
| Max revs | 15,000 |
| Supercharging | Single Turbo |
| Fuel flow | 100 kg/hr max |
| Fuel capacity | 105 kg |
| Configuration | V6 90° |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Bore | 80 mm |
| Stroke | 53 mm |
| Valves | 4 per cylinder |
| Injection | 500 bar – direct |
| ERS System | |
| Battery energy (per lap) | 4 MJ |
| MGU-K Power | 120 kW |
| MGU-K Max revs | 50,000 rpm |
| MGU-H Max revs | 125,000 rpm |
| Technica Data |
| Chassis in carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure |
| Ferrari longitudinal gearbox |
| Servo controlled hydraulic limited-slip differential |
| Semiautomatic sequential and electronicallycontrolled gearbox with quick shift |
| Number of gears: 8 +R |
| Brembo ventilated carbon-fibre disc brakes(front and rear) and brake by wire rear brakes |
| Pushrod front suspensionPullrod rear suspension |
| Weight with water, lubricant and driver 728 kg |
| OZ wheels (front and rear) 13” |
The very first run. #SF70H #Kimi7 pic.twitter.com/P20mG3Nz7T
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) 24 February 2017
