F1: Ferrari modifies some criteria for track work program to maximize results

What does Ferrari expect from the near future in Formula 1? This question brings a multitude of considerations. Recent history suggests that Red Bull will win again in the 2024 championship. At least this seems to be the most accredited scenario, as the Milton Keynes team still boasts a certain performance advantage and, above all, is accustomed to winning. They have a highly prepared team and carry with them all the know-how of legendary car designer Adrian Newey, even though he is no longer practically part of the team. All of this still makes the Austrian side the benchmark in Formula 1.

Moreover, Red Bull has yet to present a substantial update package. The change with the modular cooling system has not brought time advantages, as the direct involved have made known. Meanwhile, other small modifications to the floor do not seem to have boosted the competitive level of the RB20 single-seater. This is confirmed by the last three rounds of the 2024 Formula 1 world championship, where Max Verstappen won “only” at the Imola circuit, being defeated by Lando Norris’s McLaren MCL38 in the Miami Grand Prix and Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari SF-24 car in the recent Grand Prix on the streets of the Principality.

We have repeatedly talked about Red Bull’s difficulties. The RB20 car suffers on the front end when the track requires a shift of the center of pressure to the rear. Moreover, when the ground clearances are not those predetermined by design, a necessary measure to tackle certain layouts, the advantage of the downforce developed by the car over its rivals vanishes. Not to mention the curb issue, which has shown that the blue racing-colored cars fail to maximize performance when the curbs are high and numerous.

Then there is the simulator issue, as there is a certain imbalance between the hypothetical field and the real one. The Dutch Formula 1 world champion has pointed this out, as has the head of Red Bull’s driver development programme, Helmut Marko. The 81-year-old Austrian director clings to the talent of the Dutchman in this moment of downturn, hoping that the creativity of Max Verstappen can somehow help until the currently reigning F1 world champion team resolves the issues by bringing various new features to the RB20, potentially adding value to his Red Bull to still beat the rather fierce rivals.

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F1, Ferrari: Vasseur does not sound the charge and keeps the focus high

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur is very well aware of all these factors previously mentioned. His “fear” at this moment is that the Maranello team might get carried away by euphoria and lose focus, which in Formula 1 cannot happen if the goal is to always provide the best version of themselves. For this reason, the Ferrari leader does not let up and preaches concentration. Thinking you are at the top is negative because it intrinsically means you cannot reach higher. The Maranello team therefore fully intends to continue along the learning curve.

The areas where further improvements can be made are basically all-encompassing. There isn’t a single aspect that can’t be improved, because in Formula 1 every minor detail can make a difference and unlock potential in other areas of the team, especially when the gaps are very small, as is currently the case between Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren. In the last two races, for example, we saw the active integration of Bryan Bozzi during the sessions. A truly fitting addition. No offense to Xavi Marcos, Charles Leclerc’s former race engineer, but the preparation, communication style, solidity, and confidence on the radio are very noticeable. An upgrade that few expected after six rounds of the 2024 Formula 1 championship.

With a broader perspective, we can undoubtedly confirm (also from what we saw firsthand in Monaco) that a change in mentality within the Maranello team has taken place. There is aggressiveness, willingness to take risks, and a strong awareness of their capabilities, which greatly helps in achieving the targets set. Moreover, as we have pointed out several times by observing the onboard footage of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, it was noticeable from the first round of the year that there was a desire to maximize the race, even if this means paying something in terms of qualifying pace. This is because points are scored on Sunday, obviously.

F1, Ferrari changes its approach to the track work program

The different working methodology compared to 2023 involves validating the setup during the first free practice session, without thinking about the single lap or qualifying in general. An approach that has progressively paid off, especially in the last races of the Formula 1 world championship. Without a doubt, the setup is still missing in some areas, as this working context has somehow sacrificed part of the performance in the qualifying sessions. Therefore, according to the information gathered, we know that the next step for Ferrari is to devise a strategy for both qualifying and the race. Continuing the work on the race while enhancing performance on Saturday.

This measure is imperative given the current values on track. When three teams are so close, divided by a tenth of performance or slightly more with a high amount of fuel on board, it’s clear that the starting position can largely determine the final result. Moreover, in this wing car Formula 1 era, we have understood that such close gaps in pace often do not allow overtaking during the race. Scuderia Ferrari is therefore working on this through a precise study of the work plan that should already be implemented in the upcoming race weekend, the Canadian Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place at the 4.361-kilometre Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal.

Finally, to answer the question from the beginning of the article, we can say with certainty that for the near future in Formula 1, Ferrari expects to make further improvements. This involves a combination of various factors, including updates for the SF-24 car, refining track work techniques, optimizing the current aerodynamic package through setup, and last but not least, mental strength. This last characteristic is essential for maintaining maximum concentration in order to achieve the goals set before each race weekend.

Ferrari sf-24 detail mechanics