F1 | Spanish GP: Here's the first update on Ferrari SF-23 in Barcelona

F1 | Spanish GP: Here’s the first update on Ferrari SF-23 in Barcelona. First update on Ferrari SF-23 in Barcelona.

Charles Leclerc P6, Carlos Sainz P10 at Jeddah | 2023 F1 Saudi Arabian GP FP3 report

The teams have been working since yesterday to assemble the cars that will take to the track this weekend, and some updates are starting to emerge. In the Ferrari garage at the Circuit de Catalunya, the men in red are preparing the two cars with some different components. Let’s find out what updates we have been able to spot on the SF-23 in the Ferrari boxes in Barcelona.

Small corrective updates

As anticipated in recent days, the Spanish Grand Prix is a make-or-break point for Scuderia Ferrari, where they need to determine whether to salvage or set aside the SF-23. Recent rumors about the anticipated updates mentioned a new design for the side pods and floor, along with some updates to the rear suspension. However, for now, the cars are still in the garage, and not all the updates brought by the teams can be identified. The first of the new details spotted is the new rearview mirror, currently mounted on Carlos Sainz‘s SF-23. The older specification remains on Charles Leclerc’s car, most likely to evaluate the effectiveness of this micro-aerodynamics element.

By comparing the two mirrors, we can understand the main differences. On the left is the new mirror, which features modifications in the upper part of its cover. The Ferrari aerodynamicists have intervened here to correct the vortices that affect the mirror and direct towards the car’s side pods. The new mirror covers will likely support the aerodynamics of the new side pods. We will see if more updates are unveiled in the afternoon at the Circuit de Catalunya in view of the 2023 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix or if we have to wait until tomorrow.