Scuderia Ferrari, two words that continue to shape Formula 1 history, for better or worse, but always present. In recent days, there has been a lot of discussion about the Prancing Horse. We’ve talked about it from a technical and non-technical perspective. From a strictly journalistic standpoint, we’ve commented on Carlos Sainz’s words. A driver who has proven his worth in Maranello, even with Charles Leclerc alongside him, widely regarded as a talent with extraordinary abilities. Speaking from experience, we add, considering his trajectory with the Prancing Horse sewn on his chest.
Returning to Carlos Sainz, we can say that although the Spaniard often manages to perform successfully behind the wheel of the Maranello car, on certain occasions, he shows his weaknesses. Character traits that may not always allow him to perform at his best. An example is the issue of being the lead driver. This is a topic that has existed in the paddock since the dawn of Formula 1. Perhaps, instead of discussing barroom chatter, it would have been better to focus on more important matters.
But, on the other hand, one can understand the attitude of someone approaching the end of their contract. In some way, perhaps advised by his entourage, he’s trying to make a mark both inside and outside the car. This is a fair approach aiming to reaffirm one concept: while personal results matter, the most important aspiration should always be the well-being of Ferrari. The team comes first, always and above all.
As for the rest, we notice that Charles Leclerc is very motivated, eager to get out on the track. Always ready to grow, compete, and learn. The last six rounds of the racing season will serve this purpose. It’s about maximizing performance and, more importantly, continuing this long and challenging cognitive journey towards “technical salvation,” if we may call it that. It’s a kind of focused study using the SF-23 as a testbed for setups, aerodynamic/mechanical solutions, and approaches that will need to be implemented next year.
Ferrari: Old Issues in the Process of Resolution
Our editorial team always strives to gather useful information. This is done to inform and understand. From this perspective, we can affirm that the Scuderia Ferrari continues to work on the 2023 car for the reasons mentioned. Therefore, even if of lesser significance, we will see further updates on the Maranello car shortly, and the reason for this is well-known. At the moment, it’s not clear if there will be any updates in Qatar. However, we can discuss the areas where work is still ongoing.
The article dedicated to the SF-23’s front suspension aimed to clarify certain elements. While we cannot rule out hypotheses in our considerations, considering the characteristics of the car observed over these seven months, it is likely that there are issues with the front end, stemming from the factors we mentioned, at least in general terms. The changes made to the front end regarding the chassis last winter didn’t work as expected.
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Adrian Newey himself has emphasized the importance of this factor, and in a way, it’s as if the Briton wanted to imply that they have figured it out while others have not. However, the areas of the Ferrari under the control of the “two Carlos” that aren’t working properly are different. We can talk about the floor, for instance, which underwent further modifications in Japan (the fourth of the season) to tweak a particularly tricky vortex structure. Not to mention a part of the car crucial for generating downforce, located between the tire shoulder and the diffuser wall.
All these aspects contribute to performance and, not having received enough attention during the design phase, they currently create various insurmountable problems within the budget cap era. However, there is an optimistic outlook for the future in this case. Ferrari’s technicians and engineers are confident of presenting the next pre-season tests in February, on a yet-to-be-defined date, with a car “healed” in various areas and simultaneously developed based on successful concepts.
Ferrari: A Mental Shift for 2024 Results
Living in Formula 1 is not easy, let alone if the goal is to achieve triumph. The group of individuals who spend most of their lives within the Ferrari Racing Division (GeS) has long since changed its working paradigm. It’s a holistic attitude that allows them to broaden their horizons and analyze events from different perspectives. This enables them to harmonize an environment that, in turn, leads to significantly improved results. Yes, because Ferrari, as directly stated by John Elkann’s management, is tired of witnessing the victories of others.
Let’s get back to Adrian Newey, to understand this better. The “genius” from Stratford-upon-Avon has an essential quality: foreseeing the future. No, he’s not a fortune teller or a clairvoyant, the 64-year-old Briton. Simply, compared to much of the competition, his exceptionally high innate cognitive abilities have always shown a keen interest in anticipating times. All of this is supported by an outstanding technical team.
But there’s another factor that makes him the greatest: an irresistible drive for self-improvement and enhancing his aero-mechanical engineering works. No matter how dominant the status quo, the drive for progress must be at the core of every thought every day. Pursuing perfection, in other words. A diligent quest for perfection that offers significant advantages when pursued with dedication.
And it is on this point that Ferrari is working. While they cannot have the services of Adrian, unfortunately, they are at least trying to draw from his source of inexhaustible technical wisdom (several solutions will be copied from the RB19 and used on the next Italian car) and, as mentioned, from an admirable drive for perfection. Fred Vasseur, head of the sporting department, is delivering this. And judging by Charles Leclerc‘s words about the ongoing projects, it seems they are on the right path.
Source: Alessandro Arcari for FUnoanalisitecnica
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