What is the significance of the sailfish's scales?

The scales of a sailfish have a special significance, particularly in the realm of design and biomimicry. Frank Stephenson, while designing the McLaren P One, discovered that the scales of a sailfish help generate tiny air bubbles around the fish. These bubbles create a thin film or air pocket that effectively reduces resistance in water, allowing the sailfish to move rapidly. This characteristic inspired Stephenson to apply a similar concept to enhance the airflow through the air intake ducts of the McLaren P One car. This innovation aimed to accelerate the air going into the car's engine, thereby boosting its power and performance 1 .