Ferrari has a lot of problems that, unfortunately, instead of decreasing, are increasing. The “optimism” mentioned in the opening of this article is directly proportional to what the Maranello team continues to display on the track. The adverb, the eighteenth word in the previous sentence, is not randomly placed. It’s right there to emphasize that the “culprits” seem to get away with it almost every time. Perhaps they will be crucified in the cafeteria at Via Abetone Inferiore 4, who knows. The fact remains that from the outside, nothing changes, or hardly changes.
The core of the aforementioned thought concerns the necessary reliability of the red cars, a concept that appears to be utopian within the Italian team. The blind spot towards this “dark science” that Ferrari exhibits in the eyes of those responsible for quality control exacerbates the fans, as it could not be otherwise, and above all, it frustrates the love of the drivers, one in particular, for the Prancing Horse.
Yes… we’re talking about Charles Leclerc, a martyr par excellence of this working group, which, despite being modified over the years, persists in showing the same limitations. An unsolvable endemic pathology that, for some time now, arrogates itself the right to influence the mental fate of the young, mentally troubled talent. Tired of squinting to focus on a distant light that should represent rebirth.
A path not yet taken to plunge headfirst into. A challenging path, filled with tremendous effort but, if possible, free from constant disappointments. An ascent towards territories more suitable for the emblem that adorns the Modena cars. In short, a fundamental condition that entails the much-desired change of direction. The mental steering required to change things. Because in F1, as in life, there’s a way to lose, and there’s a way to lose.
Ferrari SF-23: Worn-Out Clutch Compromises Car No. 55’s Start in Brazil
Brazil 2023, Interlagos, a complicated weekend, one of many for Ferrari. In addition to the usual “dirty work” related to the mere setup of the car, aeromechanical compromises that challenge the minds of technicians and engineers, another issue is added to the performance in the race. We’re talking about the “clutch system,” which decided to play tricks throughout the entire weekend on the SF-23.
We noticed it as early as Friday when the usual work program includes several start practices at the end of the pit lane or right in front of the garage area. We know that during the winter, Ferrari changed the starting procedure with a new mechanism that, in theory, should have made it easier for the drivers to access maximum grip when the car begins its journey.
We’re talking about a measure that, according to feedback collected during this racing season, observing every single minute on the track of the Italian cars, especially during unofficial sessions, seems to have provided benefits that are far from significant. As a side note, we can say that the device had never malfunctioned until now. However, at Interlagos, things didn’t go as expected.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
It all comes down to a problem related to wear and tear. Ferrari had to make mechanical adjustments to the cars at the specific request of the “two Carlos.” Among the actions taken, we noticed modifications to the oxygen sensor located in the exhaust and related parameters, as well as the battery, rearview mirror lens, sensors, and gaskets. In addition to this, there’s a mention of “clutch shims.” The clutches are worn, and to address this problem, spacers have been added to achieve the correct spacing and improve the connection between the components.
Moreover, this is a necessary intervention. Even if the clutch lever is engaged, a significant portion of the travel it undergoes is used to compensate for the excessive wear of the mechanical component. The movement of the pressure plate is insufficient, and as a consequence, the element can even break. In other words, adding the spacer is simply a washer that allows the two discs to come closer together, reducing the clearance.
Carlos didn’t hide the issue at hand, literally “bursting” at the end of the race, pleading over the radio for a clutch replacement for the 21st world championship event. Surely, the malfunction compromised the start of the Spaniard at the Brazilian Grand Prix, and considering the importance of this phase, the final result could have been different. The driver himself claims that he suffered a double overtaking from Mercedes and Red Bull at the start.
In the near future, just over a week from now, once again on American soil, the issue encountered in Brazilian territory will be resolved. It remains to be seen whether Ferrari will decide to replace some mechanical parts or, through a reconfiguration of the electronics, will try to “patch” the issue. As for the control unit, there’s talk of a possible replacement on Car No. 16. It would be the third this season and would imply a penalty. One thing seems certain, in conclusion: some difficulties should be anticipated and avoided beforehand.
Source: Alessandro Arcari for FUnoanalisitecnica
Leave a Reply