New Ferrari wheels were essential for Hamilton’s first victory with the team
Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the Spanish Grand Prix was not just about his ability on the track, but also about the technological innovation employed by Ferrari. In his inaugural victory for the Italian team, the British driver benefited directly from an advanced rear wheel system, developed by BBS Japan, whose main objective was to manage tire wear on the Catalunya circuit.
The Maranello team took advantage of a recent change in FIA regulations that allowed the development of wheel designs, according to information from the Motorsport portal. This strategic move allowed the team to address a persistent challenge: optimizing the temperature of the compounds.
To achieve this crucial performance, Italian engineering collaborated with its Japanese partner to modify the internal brake drums. This change generated a specific chamber for the circulation of cold air within the system. At the same time, new forged magnesium wheels are designed to efficiently direct excess heat to the outside of the vehicle.
With this implementation, the system prevents the intense heat generated during braking from reaching the tires directly. Such an approach represents a direct contrast to Mercedes’ strategy in Canada, where the team used OZ Racing wheels to assist with tire heating. Faced with the high temperatures in Barcelona, with the asphalt reaching 52°C, Ferrari’s priority was to keep the compounds as cool as possible.
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The effectiveness of this innovation is attributed to the work of Loïc Serra, Ferrari’s current chassis technical director. With a notable track record at Mercedes and extensive experience gained at Michelin, the engineer applied his in-depth understanding of tire dynamics. It was this technical expertise that provided Hamilton with the resources needed to manage degradation and sustain performance all the way to the top of the podium.
