What are Pitot tubes? How F1 teams use the famous “rakes” in testing. Here’s what Pitot Tubes are and what they are used for.

Every year, during some Free Practice sessions and especially during pre-season testing, we see cars running with strange “rakes” that are essential for engineers in the garage. But what are these grids called Pitot Tubes that we see on all F1 cars, and what are they used for? Let’s find out.

What are they and what do they do?

They are one of the most noticeable elements when cars hit the track for their runs during testing or certain Free Practice sessions. The rakes are aerodynamic structures made up of small interconnected tubes, typically mounted in front of the radiators, though they can be placed elsewhere as well.

Their use is crucial for engineers. Before a car takes to the track, all its aerodynamic components are primarily studied using wind tunnels. However, wind tunnels and other simulation models tend to approximate real airflow behavior, so teams need real-world validation of their factory findings.

This is where the rakes come in. Equipped with numerous sensors, they allow teams to monitor airflow in specific areas of the car. This data helps teams compare real-world results with wind tunnel data, ensuring accuracy.

Such comparisons are essential for identifying potential errors in the various testing methods teams use, helping them avoid taking the wrong direction in car design or development. Teams usually mount the rakes during the early part of a session and often ask drivers to maintain a constant speed. The rakes are then removed when drivers switch to soft tires for time-attack runs.

In a highly competitive F1 environment, where teams are separated by mere tenths of a second, every detail matters. Maximizing efficiency from every aerodynamic component on the fastest cars on the planet is absolutely essential.

Source: f1ingenerale