Brazilian GP: Ferrari pushes and optimizes SF-24 setup for top speed at Interlagos. Ferrari: choosing medium-high downforce marks a difference from Mexico City.

Here we go. Ferrari is ready to challenge McLaren and Red Bull in round number 21 of the 2024 Formula 1 championship. It is set to be an exciting battle at the 4.309-kilometre Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in Brazil, as the field is quite close and the short Brazilian track further narrows the gap between competitors. The Interlagos track is quite complex, with a winding layout and varying elevations. The second sector is particularly interesting, featuring several challenging corners that must be handled precisely throughout the lap.

Finding the right balance between this section and the third, where speeds are very high, won’t be easy. Not to mention Sector 1, which includes tricky corners like the “Senna S.” A crucial factor to consider is the fifth Sprint Race of the 2024 Formula 1 season. In the single hour of free practice, each team must skillfully fine-tune the setup of their F1 car, optimized through the simulator that uses driver-in-the-loop software. We are therefore in for yet another thrilling weekend.

As always, we will analyze the aerodynamic configurations chosen by the top teams. We are referring to the package each F1 team brings to the track to adapt their car to the course, in this case near Sao Paulo. The Brazilian track, which has hosted the top category of Motorsport since 1974, is 4.309 kilometers long, and the lap record is 1:10.540, set by Finland’s Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes W09. Without further ado, let’s look at the F1 cars competing at the top.

The main point of interest for us is of course Ferrari and we can notice that the Maranello team chooses its setup for the Interlagos weekend following the most rewarding technical path. For many, Ferrari remains the favorite in Brazil, although on paper this is not the case and it remains to be seen if such a scenario will be confirmed on the track. The Prancing Horse has made a choice similar to Red Bull’s. According to simulations done by the Maranello technicians and engineers, adopting a medium-high downforce wing, similar to the one seen at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona and at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, was the best choice, especially after the recent feedback from last weekend’s race. The setup of the SF-24 has been tailored specifically to maximize the car’s top speed.

A parameter to which engineers often dedicate great attention in setup, to the point that it has become a strong point for Ferrari. The expectation is to achieve good handling in the driven sections, where aerodynamic effectiveness plays a crucial role. It remains to be seen what compromise will be adopted in terms of suspension and roll resistance to optimize the overall balance of the SF-24. In any case, choosing medium-high downforce marks a difference from Mexico City, where the historic Italian team chose a lower-downforce approach.

Now let’s move on to Red Bull. The Milton Keynes team has opted for a high-downforce wing, similar to the one used last year. This specification is designed to maximize areas of aerodynamic load without sacrificing overall vehicle efficiency. The goal is to balance grip in tighter corners with strong straight-line performance. In 2023, the RB19 tended to slow slightly on high-speed sections, though it maintained a solid advantage in the driven sections where aerodynamics are key.

The current setup aims to maintain this characteristic, allowing for a good balance between cornering performance and top speed. In general, the world champion team opts for slightly more rear load, intending to keep the rear stable during corner entry. We know the Red Bull RB20 has shown several issues with its fine-tuning. Although its aerodynamic efficiency might be somewhat less effective, Red Bull chooses this route because with greater vertical load, the car performs significantly better.

Mercedes, on the other hand, is aiming for the “spoon” wing, characterized by a pronounced leading edge and a reduced frontal area. This design is intended to generate slightly less downforce than its competitors, with the goal of improving top speed. For Mercedes, improving top speeds is a clear priority, considering that the team led by Toto Wolff struggled with this aspect in the Brazilian Grand Prix last season. The configuration should allow them to better handle long straights, relying on an aerodynamic profile optimized to reduce drag.