Ferrari recently conducted tests of innovative spray guards aimed at addressing visibility issues on wet Formula 1 tracks, an ongoing concern for drivers and officials alike. The testing occurred at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit, with Arthur Leclerc piloting last year’s F1 car equipped with the experimental spray guards. Oliver Bearman, Ferrari’s F1 reserve driver, followed in the team’s 2024 F1 car, providing comparative data.
The spray guards, resembling fenders, are designed to minimize water spray from the open wheel of F1 cars. Two versions were tested, one with solid sides and another with spoke-like sides. Despite the guards, images revealed that the lead car still generated significant spray. Organized by the FIA, the test aimed to address visibility challenges for trailing cars during rainy sessions.
Even minimal water on the track can create visibility issues, potentially leading to session cancellations or accidents. Last year, a prototype version of the spray guards was trialed at a wet Silverstone Circuit with Mick Schumacher, Mercedes-Benz AMG reserve driver. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri trailed behind Schumacher to evaluate visibility.
While earlier versions covered less of the wheel, the latest design tested at Fiorano appears more substantial, potentially altering the F1 cars’ appearance on rainy days. These developments echo F1’s previous adoption of safety enhancements like the Halo cockpit protection system, demonstrating the sport’s ongoing commitment to driver safety and performance optimization.
