Despite rumors in recent months of a possible update package for the SF-23 in Texas, this will not happen. Scuderia Ferrari is exclusively using the wind tunnel for the 2024 F1 plan, developing project 676, the car that will compete in F1 next season. So, in Austin, we will not see any novelties but only adjustments to adapt to the American circuit.
The COTA circuit is very demanding for the cars, with its elevation changes and relatively uneven asphalt. It will be crucial to find the right setup to digest the imperfections of the track. Wind will also play an important role, as it has already caused several issues for Ferrari. Additionally, the challenge for the engineers will be to find the right ground clearance. A car that is too high would lose a significant amount of aerodynamic downforce generated by the underbody, but lowering the car too much could cause damage due to the track’s imperfections.
The only “update,” if you can call it that, will be the replacement of the fuel system and tank on Carlos Sainz’s car following the failure in Qatar.
Watch Out for McLaren and Mercedes
Scuderia Ferrari’s choice to halt SF-23 development to focus on 2024 could cost them in the battle for second place in the F1 constructors’ championship. Currently, they are 28 points behind Mercedes, while an aggressive McLaren has closed the gap to 79 points behind the Scuderia. McLaren, currently the second-strongest team behind Red Bull, has the potential to continue its remarkable comeback. Additionally, Mercedes will bring a new floor to Austin, which will be crucial for next year’s W15 project.
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For the Austin weekend, which will feature the Sprint Race format, Ferrari will rely on the simulation work carried out to determine the best package for the SF-23. We may see a medium-downforce aerodynamic configuration that has worked well for the Scuderia on other occasions.
In short, an exciting battle is shaping up among these teams, with Aston Martin seemingly facing more difficulties.
Source: f1ingenerale
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