Scuderia Ferrari is ready for the ninth round of the 2024 Formula 1 championship. The celebrations for Charles Leclerc’s amazing race win in Monaco are over and the Maranello team is very much aware of the fact that the Canadian Grand Prix will represent a much more difficult challenge. The 4.361-kilometre Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a particular track, as it has specific characteristics that must be taken into account when evaluating car performance. We are talking about a series of chicanes at varying speeds where the quickness and precision of the front end, combined with the rear end’s ability to follow, is crucial for the overall lap time. Then there is the issue of aerodynamic efficiency, which obviously plays an important role, keeping in mind the long high-speed section of the third sector. Moreover, the hairpin at turn 10 requires significant traction to optimize the section in question.
The Prancing Horse is seeking further confirmation after the splendid Monaco weekend and is approaching the Canadian weekend with great spirit. Team principal Frederic Vasseur speaks of good vibes because, at a simulation level, the SF-24 seems to adapt very well to the semi-street circuit in Quebec. Although the technical profile of the track is completely different from what was encountered two weeks ago in Monte Carlo, the approach of the most titled Italian team in Formula 1 does not change. They start with the awareness that they can fight for the top positions, knowing that Red Bull will be very strong, as will McLaren. This scenario will present a very interesting challenge, where several variables will be crucial.
Ferrari has long embarked on an effective path. A move that began in the previous Formula 1 season and is finally producing some of the expected results. A factual technical direction born from the enormous efforts made has effectively reduced the gap with the current reigning F1 champion team. The always cheerful Fred Vasseur knows this well, as he reiterates a key concept in the current competitive context, where every small detail can shift the balance towards one team or another. Within this reasoning, the setup is fundamental.
The Italian side has studied the setup in great detail in order to maximize the characteristics based on the layout of the North American F1 track. However, there is one factor that must be taken into close consideration. We refer to the weather conditions, which, according to current forecasts, will be anything but “pleasant” for teams and drivers. On the contrary, they will be adverse, with a good chance of rain during Friday’s free practice sessions, as well as for qualifying and the race on Sunday. This situation obviously changes the situation for teams in terms of preparation and could very well change the balance of the values on track. Ferrari, like the rest of the teams, has considered this aspect ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, but the Maranello technicians believe they can make the most of the SF-24’s distinctive features in the rain.
At this point in the article, a question arises spontaneously. What will change if the Formula 1 cars race all weekend on a wet track in Montreal? The reasoning takes shape considering one factor: when it rains, the time spent on the straights does not vary excessively, although the speeds reached will be clearly lower. On the contrary, the percentage of lap time spent tackling the driven sections, namely the slower parts of the track, increases considerably and, consequently, its relevance. For this reason, some sections of the track take on a much greater importance.
We refer to the first and second sectors of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, without forgetting the aforementioned hairpin in the final sector, turn ten which leads into the long straight that brings the cars towards the finish line. The performance on lap time will therefore be less sensitive to aerodynamic efficiency values, which should benefit the Ferrari SF-24 single-seater. The Maranello technicians had to “penalize” some sections of the first sector, with the goal of increasing top speeds which are crucial in dry conditions, especially at the last braking point. A wet track implies that the track surface offers a lower grip coefficient.
Therefore, in the medium and slow-speed corners that are very important at this track, a specific setup will need to be adopted in order to favor the generation of grip. From an aerodynamic point of view, the level of downforce will be increased to provide greater vertical thrust on the rear end. Cars with more downforce will certainly have an advantage, net of one factor: ground clearance will be increased, causing the floor to work further from the optimal balance studied during the design phase.
This is why cars equipped with aerodynamic devices less sensitive to height variations can benefit greatly. Traction and braking stability will remain fundamental aspects. In terms of suspension, the elements will be softened, with the stiffness of the torsion bars decreased in favor of greater activation of the internal elements. Ferrari’s goal is to reduce the load transfer speed and consequently increase the grip of each axle. Moreover, these settings will aim to increase mechanical grip and therefore traction as well.
Lastly, the issue of Pirelli tires must be addressed efficiently. We refer of course to the Intermediate and Full Wet compounds, which actually “impose” a different warm-up strategy compared to the slicks. The warm-up process is essential in these cases in order to generate the right friction on the compounds and fully exploit the characteristics of the Pirelli tires to evacuate as much water as possible from the contact patch. This is why the setup will be crucial, as this element primarily determines the amount of energy that is put into the tire to generate grip.
Source: FUnoanalisitecnica
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