While project 676 (Ferrari’s 2024 F1 car) is in the process of being developed, the regular drivers for the upcoming Formula 1 season have had the chance to experience it in the simulator. Carlos Sainz was the first to discuss it, stating that he finds it different from the SF-23.
In itself, considering the disappointing performance of the SF-23, this is good news for fans and the Prancing Horse team. However, the Spanish driver chose to keep his feet firmly on the ground, as often happens due to his character and approach, avoiding overly enthusiastic statements.
A wise choice, especially because the gap to Red Bull was significant for much of the 2023 season, and certainly, the team led by Christian Horner hasn’t rested on its laurels. On the contrary, they will have pushed even harder to maintain their supremacy in today’s Formula 1.
“The 2024 car definitely behaves differently than the SF-23, but I think until we put the car on track with 100 kilograms of fuel and used tires, it will be impossible to understand how it actually handles tires, how it performs in race pace, and how our pace will be affected.” – the Ferrari man explained, as reported by Motorsport Italy – “We will only know at the Bahrain tests when we hit the track. In the meantime, we can focus on adding performance to the car in the wind tunnel and try to improve it.” – he added.
Carlos Sainz also reiterated the concept of compromise: losing some of the strengths of the SF-23 seen in the recently concluded season in order to have a stronger 2024 Formula 1 car capable of competing for victories.
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“This year, especially in the second part, we tried to maximize our potential, and in this sense, we did a better job. It’s almost incredible that such evident performance swings can occur, but that’s today’s Formula 1.” – the Spaniard continued.
“Now we have to focus on understanding why the car is strong in certain conditions and why, on the other hand, it is weak on other tracks and in other types of corners. There are aspects of the SF-23 that I would like to see on the car next year. Certainly, straight-line speed, braking performance, and performance in 90-degree and short-duration corners. I also think handling the curbs is a strength. So, the car has very, very strong points. But I think if we want to have a car for the entire year, maybe we have to give up some of these characteristics to make sure we are fast everywhere, especially in races.” – Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz concluded.
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