Looking back at events from a year ago, Ferrari wrapped up the pre-season testing in Bahrain with more uncertainties than resolutions. At that time, the aim was to address the deficiencies of the F1-75, with the objective of unveiling a sturdy and competitive car right from the start. However, after three days of testing, the SF-23 resembled a work in progress, following an unconventional program aimed at seeking validations to shed light on the unpredictable nature of the car.
Fast-forwarding to the present year, Ferrari arrived in Sakhir with a completely revamped car, starting from the conceptual level. Departing from Sakhir, the team gained more certainties and numerous positive indicators, particularly in terms of drivability. A significant challenge faced by the SF-23 during testing was the unpredictability of the car, being overly sensitive to external elements like wind direction and intensity. This stemmed from an aerodynamic map that struggled at specific yaw angles.
Looking at the tests from this perspective, initial feedback is positive, a sentiment echoed by Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and those actively involved in the driving experience. Charles Leclerc, sharing insights on the concluding day of testing, expressed that the car performs as expected, a contrast to the initial phase of the previous year. Recalling the early days, he mentioned heightened concerns as the car was exceptionally challenging to handle. In the current year, the driving experience is more straightforward, positioning Ferrari on a stronger starting point. Nevertheless, there is ongoing work ahead. Presently, the progress aligns with the outlined plan, devoid of any unforeseen setbacks, as explained in this video:
— see video above —
Leave a Reply