McLaren MP4-22 - sidepod winglet slits 16 June 2007
Introduced in Canada and retained at Indy, this looks set to become a definitive change. The long, curved slit (blue arrow) cuts through almost the entire length of the large vertical winglet shield at the front of the sidepod. The function is to better divert airflow away from the side of the car as it impacts the outer edge of the sidepod. The slits also reduce the turbulence generated by the shields and hence improve the quantity and quality of airflow entering the sidepod radiator inlets. At the same time they aid the efficiency of the chimneys just behind, the diverted air pressure helping to improve the level of hot-air extraction.
