F1, Ferrari: new SF-24 floor improves vortical structure towards diffuser | 2024 Spanish GP. F1, Spanish GP: Ferrari modifies the floor of the SF-24.

Ferrari has decided to bring forward the updates in Spain. A Formula 1 Grand Prix where they intend to return to the very high levels of competitiveness seen up to Canada. The Montreal episode should be taken with caution, as the Prancing Horse practically understood nothing about the tire issue. Activation and maintenance of the correct operating temperature window were never achieved. The blame lies with the wrong hysteresis cycle and partly with the setup used, which certainly didn’t make things easier. If we add to this the reliability problems of the 066/12 power unit on car number 16 and the bumper car of 55, the double retirement is served.

Fred Vasseur did not minimize the problems but essentially clarified one fact: to give due importance to the weekend spent on the island of Notre Dame. A technical scenario that does not accurately reflect the potential of the SF-24. This is why Ferrari, although Charles Leclerc kept a decidedly low profile, indicating Red Bull as the favorite and McLaren behind them, aims to perform at the top and see what happens. Undoubtedly, the support of some new features will greatly help the historic Italian F1 team, as in the current competitive context, every small change can make a big difference.

F1, Spanish GP: Ferrari modifies the floor of the SF-24

The Maranello team has already presented the new rear wing to be used at Montmeló. An unprecedented and deeply revised version. An important change in the economy of the SF-24, from which precise technical feedback is expected. In addition to the specific change at the rear aimed at increasing the useful load and at the same time the overall efficiency of the car, some modifications to the car’s floor are coming. At first glance, the changes are hardly visible, as many of them are in the underbody of the red car.

However, examining with precision the images coming from the Catalan pitlane, we can notice some updates in the initial portion of the floor, that is, the area where the Venturi channels begin. There is a small but undoubtedly effective difference in the geometry of the lower surface of the floor. Indeed, it can be seen how the volume between the two outermost fences has been modified. A measure that compresses the fluid flowing through this channel more. Moreover, the incidence of the various fences has undergone further modification.

In this way, the local pressure distribution on these profiles has been varied. The reason is simple: to improve the quality of the fluid that then flows towards the diffuser. We can say that the update is nothing less than a consequence of some changes made to the upper area of the floor. We then notice one fact: the dimensional increase of the side anti-intrusion cone cover. Let’s clarify right away that this does not mean that the cone itself has been repositioned. Its anchoring point remains unchanged. Ferrari has modified the inclination of the floor outward to bring the sharp edge of the floor closer to the asphalt.

A maneuver that in turn modifies the pressure field surrounding this area of the all-red F1 car. Also, in this case, the purpose of the update is easily understood: to obtain a higher level of vertical thrust. However, the modifications do not end here, as it seems that Ferrari has also advanced the leading edge of the Venturi channels by a few millimeters. A larger gap is revealed between the floor of the Italian single-seater and the area that included the old bargeboards.

Considering that the surface of this area appears unchanged, the leading edge of the floor should have been slightly advanced. A modification that can be defined as a consequence of a small increase in the local volume of the floor. In this way, local pressure is recovered and thus points of downforce, because the surface of a profile dedicated to load generation is effectively increased. Let’s remember that in the area in question there is a strong pressure difference, due to the fact that the edge itself is shaped similarly to the leading edge of a wing profile and consequently produces a good amount of vertical thrust.

F1, Spanish GP: Ferrari modifies the sidepods of the SF-24

In the initial area of the sidepods, we also notice a further slimming of the volumes. Already with the update at Imola, this area was revised by Ferrari to further contain the harmful aerodynamic losses of an F1 car. It is the next step after the update proposed at the Italian racetrack. In the area where the Shell sticker is located, the sidepod has been raised, intending to allow greater cleanliness of the flow that runs towards the rear. A minor intervention, but which, combined with other small updates, should further reduce aerodynamic losses along the car’s body and increase performance.

In addition to this, the aforementioned modification has a further purpose. The Maranello technicians led by technical director Enrico Cardile, with this move, want to increase the volume dedicated to the undercut. As we know, such a measure aims to increase the outwash effect generated by the car’s body which in turn improves aerodynamic efficiency, a point on which Ferrari has worked hard to reach the very high value of Red Bull in this crucial aspect in current F1.

Lastly, the diffuser area which currently remains not visible. However, we can undoubtedly confirm that Ferrari has also modified this area of the Italian single-seater. A change that includes the volume of the keel because increasing local pressure peaks consequently improves the overall amount of downforce generated by the SF-24. Moreover, according to what the editorial team of FUnoanalisitecnica has learned, there should also be some minor changes to the ramp volume of the diffuser, an area of the car where the fluid mass is expanded to create aerodynamic load.

Source: FUnoanalisitecnica.