“As long as we can improve the current car, I don’t see why we should change our objective.” That’s what Fred Vasseur reiterated in his statements to the media ahead of the Montmelo weekend, emphasizing that even if the planned evolution package for Barcelona doesn’t perform as desired, the SF-23 single-seater will not undergo any major revolution.
Is this the right choice? It’s difficult to give a definite answer. Certainly, the Monaco Grand Prix dealt a heavy blow to the morale of the Maranello team, as the red car showcased all its limitations on a track where, due to the reduced impact of aerodynamics, it should have challenged Red Bull.
At the same time, certain peak performances, such as the double pole position secured by Charles Leclerc at the Baku City Circuit, convinced the team management to continue with the car as originally conceived at the beginning of the year.
And perhaps the main difference with Mercedes lies precisely in this. In Brackley, the decision to revolutionize the W14 project was made from the early pre-season testing session at the Bahrain International Circuit. The updated car then made its debut only in Monaco, which was the sixth race of the 2023 Formula One championship.
“The timing doesn’t allow it,” explains Frederic Vasseur. “If we were to decide today to change the car, the updated version would be ready around October. We are in a phase of the season where introducing a new car would prove particularly complex.”
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In addition to this, work has already begun in Maranello on the 2024 race car. Focusing efforts on the SF-23 until October would result in a delay in the project for the next season, which could prove to be counterproductive. Furthermore, the impact of such a design intervention on Maranello’s finances should not be forgotten, and in the era of the Budget Cap, it would be a significant risk, especially when looking towards the upcoming season.
No to a B version of SF-23 car? Maranello’s solution
Timing aside, Frederic Vasseur remains convinced that following the approach adopted by Mercedes would not lead to performance improvements.
“A potential new car wouldn’t be significantly faster,” explains the Frenchman. “In any case, it’s not the solution for improvement, even in the medium term. I don’t mean to question Mercedes’ choice, but it will be interesting to evaluate in the long run. In Monaco, they were still behind us in qualifying, and we will see in the upcoming races, but I don’t expect significant changes.” – the Ferrari team principal continued.
So, what’s the solution then? Ferrari will likely continue with the development path of the SF-23 single-seater, seeking to exploit a package in which Maranello sees good potential.
“Our work will not concern the concept of the car. It’s about using the package we already have at our disposal, from the tires to the balance of the car.” – Fred Vasseur concluded.
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