Two podiums in the last two races, where Scuderia Ferrari has achieved the maximum if we consider race performance. Yes, in Formula 1, the pace during a race matters, and the SF-23’s race pace is consistently lacking compared to its qualifying performance. This is an indisputable fact, and despite the efforts of the Maranello engineers to make changes, not much has improved. But this is the nature of the 2023 version.
We’re talking about a car that, despite extensive adjustments where possible, continues to suffer from certain technical aspects. This fundamental condition cannot be rectified without a complete car redesign. This is why the upcoming Project 676 involves significant changes, including a new chassis, suspension, and aerodynamics. Only then can specific settings work, hoping that the revolution initiated by the Ferrari Sporting Management Department some time ago can translate into real results on the track.
In the meantime, there is still racing to be done. The usual challenges present themselves punctually. Interlagos is a unique circuit with various elements. It’s a track capable of accentuating aerodynamic efficiency, an area where the Italian car is reasonably well-prepared. The power unit also plays a significant role, and in this regard, unit 066/10 should do its part. In the T2 sector, traction is crucial, another area where the SF-23 is usually second to none, even against the very strong Red Bull.
Ferrari is Betting on Brazil for Various Technical Reasons
Frederic Vasseur starts cautiously, as one would expect. However, according to the information we’ve gathered over the last week, simulator results are promising. Brazil aligns well with Ferrari, a team that is confident of one thing for the upcoming weekend: achieving the goal of becoming the second strongest team. This is considering that the specific characteristics of the circuit near São Paulo should suit the red car better, especially in comparison to Mercedes and McLaren.
Words, however, serve no real purpose. Only actions will either confirm or contradict these positive feelings. “Our commitment will be at its highest in Brazil,” a standard, commonplace phrase that the French manager still wanted to emphasize in the customary pre-race interviews. The French-born engineer also mentioned tires and strategy. These are two areas that, despite receiving a lot of attention throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season, are often challenging to interpret.
Undoubtedly, there were no strategic errors in Mexico. It was challenging to go wrong with a red flag in the middle of the race. Perhaps more could have been attempted in the second stint in terms of tire choices, but overall, the strategy cannot be criticized. Concerning tire management, it’s much of the same. There’s no shortage of reasons for the “two Carlos.” Fred asserts this with confidence, confirming the two drivers for the upcoming Formula One season.
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One thing is certain when summarizing this article. Regardless of the outcome, including a hypothetical and somewhat implausible victory, the historic Ferrari team will receive an undoubtedly inadequate rating this year. This should make us ponder because since the distant year 2008, no Ferrari world championship can be deemed successful. Mattia Binotto‘s mandate ended some time ago, and the last vestige of his management, the SF-23, will be retired in a month.
From that point on, no excuses will be accepted. Or perhaps it’s better to say that nobody is thinking of 2024 as a winning year. But at the same time, a clear reversal of the current trends should occur under all circumstances. Two more championships under the current regulations before another technical revolution observing the same mistakes, problems, and settings would lead to one scenario by 2026: continued losses. A competitive context where the red car, unfortunately, has learned to navigate all too well.
Returning to the present, the Brazilian Grand Prix is considered another field of study. An opportunity to “continue understanding” what happens on the track. An exam that will be useful for the future, one of the many conducted this year. The result itself will matter, of course, but the most crucial prerogative remains: leaving Interlagos with superior technical awareness that can further enrich the technical know-how of the engineers who spend much of their day within the sporting management.
Source: Alessandro Arcari for FUnoanalisitecnica
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