Scuderia Ferrari is taking the initiative by introducing its second major aerodynamic update package this weekend at the 4.657-kilometre Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the Spanish Grand Prix. These are crucial developments, focusing on the most sensitive area of ground-effect Formula 1 cars, namely the floor, now updated in terms of volumes, flow conveyors, diffuser, and outer edge. Complementing this, the SF-24 single-seater now features slimmer sidepods and a new rear wing package, aiming for greater aerodynamic efficiency.
The unseen change
The most significant changes on the Ferrari remain hidden from external observers, located inside the car. However, documents published by the Federation reveal that Ferrari has developed an entirely new diffuser, with revamped expansion volumes and a different fairing for the lower chassis and keel. The Maranello technicians have therefore focused on the rear, aiming to improve the extraction of flows from the floor and the generation of aerodynamic downforce. To achieve this, Ferrari has made changes across the entire underside of the car.
Source: formulapassion.it
The new diffuser is designed with a different aerodynamic structure of flows and vortices under the SF-24, achieved through other modifications to the front part of the car. For example, the Ferrari SF-24 single-seater seen on Friday in Barcelona has updated Venturi channels along the sides of the floor, altering both the volume layout and the grid of flow conveyors at the entrance.
Additionally, there are tweaks to the outer edge of the floor, which are subtle yet crucial for protecting the lower environment from external turbulence. Overall, Ferrari has worked meticulously to improve the flow propagation towards the rear, ensuring these flows reach the new diffuser with greater energy.
In line with the new rear design, the Maranello engineers has also created new bodywork. This is an evolution of the package introduced at last month at the Imola circuit in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, further flaring out the lower part of the sidepods. The goal is to enhance the flow along the lower contour of the bodywork, channeling it with more energy towards the rear to improve the performance of the new diffuser and generate downforce from the floor.
Source: formulapassion.it
“This should ensure a small increase in aerodynamic downforce, helping us to be a bit faster everywhere,” commented Carlos Sainz about the new package during Thursday’s conference. Ferrari’s focus on the mid-rear section of the car, working directly on the floor, confirms that the car has no significant balance issues, allowing the Maranello team to concentrate on aerodynamic efficiency, which is crucial for performance. However, the quest for aerodynamic downforce with ground-effect Formula 1 cars is always risky, requiring adjustments to the setup to maintain drivability.
Source: formulapassion.it
New Wings
The changes to the floor, diffuser, and sidepods are general updates for Ferrari, but in Spain, the Italian side also introduces new adaptations specific to the track. A new medium-high downforce rear wing makes its debut, with revisions to both the main profile and the DRS flap. This expands Ferrari’s wing options, which, except for Monaco, had previously relied on the same wing before the Barcelona weekend.
Source: formulapassion.it
A new beam-wing, also medium-high downforce, and revised in both profiles, appears just below. Ferrari now has two new wings that will interact aerodynamically with the new diffuser. This sets up an intense testing program for the Maranello team, balancing Grand Prix preparation with the study of updates.
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