Ferrari has unveiled its 2018 F1 contender, the
SF71H, which will be piloted by Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. The new
race car features a bevy of updates in accordance with new regulations put in
place, making it significantly different in appearance from last year’s SF70H.
The most apparent is the introduction of the Halo
protection device, a standardised piece of titanium given to all teams.
Designed to protect the cockpit area, it weighs 7 kg, which brings the vehicle
weight up to 733 kg (regulation weight with water, oil and driver).
Other physical revisions include a wheelbase that
has been changed slightly along with the side dimensions. The new rules will
also see changes to the aerodynamic package, where the T-wing and shark fin of
the 2017 car are no longer present.
The car’s cooling system and suspension have also
been updated, the latter based on experience gained during the first season
running the wider tyres. The rest of the car features Brembo ventilated carbon
disc brakes, push- and pull-rod suspension and 13-inch OZ wheels.
The motorsport’s push for more reliable powertrains
will see just three (previously four) engines, turbo-compressors and MGU-H
units be used all season. Meanwhile, only two MGU-K units, electronic control
units and battery packs are allowed. Swapping out any of the items beyond the
permitted amount will result in a penalty.
The engine continues to be a 1.6 litre turbocharged
V6 (rev limited to 15,000 rpm), mated to a longitudinal semi-automatic Ferrari
transmission (eight speeds with reverse). A hydraulically-controlled
limited-slip differential is also part of the setup.
