F1, Ferrari: why Suzuka result and performance is a half-full glass | 2023 Japanese GP. Why Suzuka result and performance is a half-full glass.

If Max Verstappen’s dominance was a given since Friday, when it became evident that the slip-up in Singapore wasn’t related to the effectiveness of the technical directive TD018, the performance of the rest of the field essentially confirmed what was highlighted in qualifying. Considering the result at the end of the 53 laps, how can we judge the Scuderia Ferrari’s weekend? It’s the frequent dilemma of whether the glass is half full or half empty, depending on the set target.

From a performance perspective, the SF-23 has resumed its role as the third force on the track, trailing the untouchable Red Bull and McLaren. The gap incurred at the end of the Japanese Grand Prix by the best of the Reds is approximately 44 seconds, essentially one second per lap compared to the relentless pace set by the two-time Dutch world champion.

The gap from Lando Norris, who finished brilliantly second, is also not comforting. A substantial 24 seconds separated Lando Norris from Charles Leclerc at the checkered flag, which over the course of the 300 km race is equivalent to just under half a second per lap. From this perspective, the Japanese mission could be considered largely negative for the people in Maranello. However, if the goal remains to secure second place in the constructors’ standings, then the judgment changes drastically.

The two standard bearers of the Prancing Horse have easily brought a points haul that surpasses that of Mercedes and the now unrecognizable Aston Martin. There are now only 20 points that separate the historic Italian team from the silver arrows, following a round that, on paper, was one of the most unfavorable for the SF-23.

Probably if this race had taken place before the summer break, the Maranello team’s car would have had no chance against Mercedes and perhaps even Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin. After the summer break, the Red car has overtaken Aston Martin and gained a whopping 34 points on the team led by Toto Wolff. The comforting factor is that the Italian team’s climb in the constructors’ standings is the result of an evident trend reversal compared to direct competition, especially in managing race pace.

Improvement is the result of a better understanding of the car and the accuracy of updates. If the goal for this season can only be the runner-up spot among the constructors, in the context of the 2024 Formula 1 season, it is crucial that Ferrari’s engineers have identified the areas for intervention so that Project 676 doesn’t start from scratch but is based on certainties. Current circumstances force us to think in small steps; in the coming year, crumbs of competition will not suffice.