F1: why Ferrari is focused on enhancing technical simulation skills

Scuderia Ferrari is making strides. A learning curve that involves several important factors. As for the track, we are now well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the SF-24 single-seater, a decent car that generally provides a good foundation to work on during the race weekends. The car is stable and balanced, thanks to various modifications that set it apart from its predecessor, the SF-23, such as the chassis, tweaks to the suspension system, and a new fluid structure achieved through a more effective aerodynamic design in the undercut, the sidepod design, coke bottle area and some small updates for the diffuser. Well done, indeed to the Maranello technicians.

Although the front-end has been significantly enhanced, a crucial component with which the red car “builds” its overall lap time, there is still something missing at the rear. In particular, during changes of direction, where the rear end fails to match the precision of the front. The same goes for traction, a strong point last year where performance was at its peak, often even surpassing that produced by the Red Bull RB19, a car capable of dominating the 2023 Formula 1 world championship with great superiority. The Ferrari technical team led by Technical Director of Chassis & Aerodynamics, Enrico Cardile, is making the utmost effort to fix some of the weaknesses of the 2024 F1 car.

The result of their ongoing work is an aerodynamic package of substantial updates that we will see debut in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend, at the Imola circuit, in late May. A very important update that aims to enhance the car in all areas, through an aggressive evolution of the technical principles considered in shaping the SF-24 single-seater. Moreover, according to information recently reported by various Italian news media outlets, the Prancing Horse is speeding up to try to bring some small novelties for the race that will be held over 57 laps of the Miami International Autodrome in Florida, USA. the sixth event of the 2024 Formula 1 racing campaign that will feature a new dedicated livery. A dual shade of blue to evoke the past achievements of Italian cars on American soil. And Ferrari has continued to tease its startling switch to a blue-coloured livery for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. The Scuderia is set to roll out a very different-looking SF-24, with the Italian company celebrating the landmark anniversary of its arrival to the market in North America.

Returning to the on-track performance of the Maranello team, Ferrari’s progress involves better managing the race weekend. We refer to managing the mechanical setup on track, trying to optimize the performance of the SF-24 single-seater to the fullest. Accessing maximum competitiveness and fully exploiting the car’s potential, therefore. A context that in the Chinese Grand Prix, concerning tires, was far from being apparent. We talked a lot about it, examining in depth the difficulties encountered by Scuderia Ferrari in warming up the Hard tires during the race and consequently maintaining the correct working range throughout the stint. A task that proved to be an “impossible mission” last weekend at the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit.

F1, Ferrari, and the important technical collaboration with HP

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Obviously, there are other crucial aspects over the course of a race weekend. In addition to the improved pit-stop capabilities compared to the previous Formula 1 championship, the strategic component is fundamental in modern Formula 1 competition. In this regard, it is worth spending a few observations on a new partnership that Ferrari has recently secured. A collaboration that will already be present, at least in terms of image, from the next Grand Prix in Florida. We are talking about the significant bond that the historic team has forged with HP, which becomes the so-called “title sponsor” of the red team.

The details of the operation are known. The union put together is a natural occurrence, considering the performance and exceptional expertise that fuel the future. This is supported by Enrique Lores, chief executive officer of HP. The Spanish business executive, a native of Madrid, with 59 springs under his belt in two weeks, shares common ground with the two entities that have decided to merge into an important new venture. It’s worth pointing out that this partnership is not solely for economic purposes. On the contrary, its main target is to provide, in addition to a significant financial injection – around 100 million euros annually are mentioned – considerable technical support to help Ferrari improve.

The chief executive officer of the red team also participates in the presentation ceremony. He does so by mentioning the legacy linked to continuous progress, which is precisely where the drive for innovation stems from. Setting aside the part concerning sustainability, with a focus on carbon neutrality and the education of new generations, the most important aspect of this joint commitment concerns the quality of the work done by HP in providing software tailored for the Maranello-based team. The goal is to improve the quality and speed of simulations, significantly enhancing the strategic side.

Another step forward that the Ferrari sports management has demanded and desired, to enhance its know-how in a constantly evolving world of motorsport. The hypothetical field is now part of Formula 1. A primary avenue through which characteristics and performance are simulated during the design and development phases of a single-seater. The same goes for preparation for the weekend regarding car setup, in order to create effective tire models and master tire management, as well as to choose the most efficient tire strategies that can be adopted during a Formula 1 race.