Haas upgrades FTM solution with new Monaco-specific rear winglets. Haas develops FTM further in search of rear grip at Monaco.

Haas evolves its FTM: two new winglets behind the exhaust to generate downforce from hot exhaust gases

Monaco has always been a circuit where teams pursue extreme solutions in the relentless search for aerodynamic downforce. Once again this season, the streets of the Principality have become a showcase for technical innovation, particularly around active aerodynamic systems.

However, development work has not been limited to the active wing mechanisms. Haas has also arrived in Monaco with an updated version of its FTM concept, continuing a development path that many teams have followed since Ferrari first introduced the solution during pre-season testing in Bahrain.

After the Scuderia unveiled the concept at Sakhir, rival teams gradually attempted to reproduce Ferrari’s idea, although with varying levels of success depending on the available packaging and geometry around the rear of the car. Teams with greater design freedom have been able to develop more effective solutions, while others have been forced to adapt the concept to more restricted layouts.

Haas develops Ferrari-inspired rear-end solution

Ferrari currently operates one of the most advanced FTM designs on the grid, featuring a cage-like structure surrounding the exhaust outlet. Because of the maturity of that concept, the Maranello team chose not to dedicate significant resources to developing new Monaco-specific rear-end solutions, limiting its changes to smaller additions around the diffuser cascade and a nolder element on the bargeboards. The FTM area, however, remains a major focus for several rival teams, including Haas, which purchases its rear suspension and gearbox assembly directly from Ferrari.

It is therefore no surprise that the American team has developed one of the most sophisticated interpretations of the concept and continues to view this section of the car as an area capable of delivering meaningful aerodynamic gains. In an effort to increase rear downforce, Haas has not only revised the actuation system linked to the active rear wing but has also introduced two small winglets positioned immediately behind the exhaust outlet.

The objective is to direct the flow of hot exhaust gases upward, allowing the airflow to interact more effectively with the underside of the rear wing and improve aerodynamic efficiency at the rear of the car.

Several teams continue to invest in the concept

Further evidence that teams still see development potential in this area can be found elsewhere in the paddock. Williams, Aston Martin and Cadillac have also introduced revisions to the winglets positioned behind their exhaust outlets.

This demonstrates how even a seemingly minor detail can still offer valuable aerodynamic benefits, particularly on circuits such as Monaco where maximising downforce and mechanical grip remains the key to competitiveness.

While these solutions may appear subtle from the outside, engineers continue to view them as worthwhile areas of development. On a track where every fraction of a second matters and outright top speed is largely irrelevant, any opportunity to generate additional rear grip can make a meaningful difference in the battle for performance.