Azerbaijan smiles on Ferrari, but the SF-24 is not the only Formula 1 car competing for the win. The four top teams are very close, and there is no clear favorite. Maranello, Milton Keynes, Woking, and Brackley have chosen different approaches, each playing to their strengths. However, the best compromise seems to have been found by Frédéric Vasseur’s team.
Friday in Azerbaijan was positive for Ferrari. Of course, Charles Leclerc’s crash and the time lost in the pits to repair the car didn’t help, but the SF-24’s package works well and appears to be the most balanced of the group. In race pace, if the situation doesn’t change, Ferrari could be the potential leader. The #16’s affinity with Baku can’t be overlooked either.
Rivals have made different choices, with Mercedes standing out: the W15 is set up with very low downforce and is extremely fast on the straights, allowing it to regain ground on all competitors. This solution is reminiscent of what Ferrari did in previous editions of the race, but it might not pay off over the long run. Toto Wolff, however, is not losing hope: “A difficult Friday to read, everyone is close, especially on single laps” (Sky Sports F1).
Red Bull and McLaren have yet to find their optimal setups. However, it’s worth noting the solid performance of the RB20: the Milton Keynes car has (re)gained its wings, and despite Max Verstappen running at lower power on Friday, it will be able to battle the Papaya rivals. McLaren, in particular, seems unable to fully exploit the strengths of the MCL38 on what is, unsurprisingly, an atypical track.
The weekend is wide open, as confirmed by Woking’s team principal: “Once again, the top four teams seem to be within a tenth or two, which will make the weekend very interesting,” explained Andrea Stella. “Tonight, we will work hard to maximize our package and see where it takes us for tomorrow’s qualifying and Sunday’s race.”
Source: f1ingenerale
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