How F1 teams exploit Monaco rules with quirky rear wing additions

A number of Formula 1 teams have introduced quirky additions to their rear wings due to the lack of straight mode sectors at the Monaco Grand Prix.

The FIA opted against having any straight mode areas in Monaco due to the nature of the street circuit, with a lack of straights and the tight confines of the layout meaning power availability should not be an issue. That means teams do not need their actuators to fulfill the function of opening and closing the rear wing, leading to some eye-catching solutions.

While some teams have completely removed their actuators for weight-saving purposes – with Ferrari and Cadillac appearing to only add small winglets to the middle of the upper element where the actuator used to attach – others have introduced complex designs.

Mercedes has a multi-element winglet that sits above the front of the rear wing, and then two further winglets that protrude down from the actuator casing. The McLaren solution is similarly striking but takes a different approach, with a triple-layer scoop approach in the middle of the rear wing.

McLaren's triple-layer scoop approach visible in the middle of the rear wing, coated in Flow-vis paint during practice. Peter Fox/Getty Images

The Red Bull solution is different once again, with the actuator still appearing in place but added to with two winglets – one at the front and one at the rear – that are akin to the monkey seat designs often seen around exhaust exits.

Red Bull kept its actuator in place but added two winglets – one at the front and one at the rear. Sam Bagnall/Sutton via Getty Images

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Monaco’s high downforce requirements and lower emphasis on power unit performance have led to a number of teams highlighting Ferrari as the favorite for victory this weekend, underscored by its 1-2 in opening practice. Charles Leclerc agrees the team is likely to be in the mix but tried to play down expectations.

“I think we are in a better place,” Leclerc said. “I mean, if there’s one track I would bet on us, it’s probably Monaco. However, I still believe that Mercedes have had a significant advantage since the beginning of the year, so I think they will be very strong. I think McLaren will be very strong as well. I think Red Bull will be very strong.

“But it’s true that on the other tracks so far, we’ve been struggling quite a bit on the straights, which should be less of a problem. We have a strong package chassis-wise and aero-wise, so I think it could help us. But Mercedes, I think, will still remain the team to beat.”