For Ferrari, Bahrain represents a crucial crossroads in Formula 1. The first three Grands Prix have been an ongoing test to understand the various aerodynamic and mechanical issues affecting the SF-25, with results that have not been entirely satisfactory. A different car was expected, but delays in understanding have played a role. The updates have brought improvements in some aspects, but also a real revolution in others. A risk was taken that, for now, has not met expectations.
The aerodynamic issues of the SF-25
Ferrari’s troubles have been analyzed multiple times. Essentially, there is a lack of proper interaction between mechanics and aerodynamics, a problem that mainly affects the rear of the car. This translates into an inability to use optimal ground clearance, which would allow for increased aerodynamic load and leverage the SF-25’s potential, as Fred Vasseur has pointed out.
On track, the result of this difficulty is a narrower setup window, which, given the current gaps between the cars, results in a significant time difference. To give an idea, the deficit compared to McLaren, which is currently the benchmark, is about 3 tenths of a second per lap. It might not seem like much, but in the top motorsport category, it’s an eternity.
The feedback from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc highlights significant understeer, a problem that seems to be more problematic for the seven-time world champion, who, in this first part of the season, has not been able to find a way to mitigate it. In Japan, the Monegasque devised a particular braking technique to limit it, a method that the Briton will also use in Bahrain.
New floor and the challenge of Sakhir
The team principal of the historic Ferrari team spoke about the work done in preparation for Sakhir. That “It’s about understanding” from Mattia Binotto’s press office has honestly become tiresome. A lot of work for understanding, in short. Despite this, if nothing has changed in the last few hours after Antonio Giovinazzi‘s tests in Maranello, Ferrari should debut some updates.
Among these is the new floor with modifications in the lower section, designed to shift the center of pressure. This intervention aims to reduce understeer and ensure greater stability of the airflow at specific heights, trying to prevent bottoming, a phenomenon that Fred Vasseur has confirmed. The overall goal is to expand the SF-25’s aerodynamic map, making the car more competitive.
Why Sakhir is an opportunity for Ferrari: the favorable track
The Sakhir circuit should be favorable for Ferrari, which, due to certain technical choices, has shown a greater ability to generate traction compared to other teams. So far, it has remained somewhat on paper, sacrificed at the altar of suspension compromise. The Bahrain circuit is stop-and-go, and Ferrari, at least in theory, should be able to take advantage of this characteristic.
Another interesting aspect worth mentioning is the equation that governs aerodynamic load and drag resistance. A compromise that, as far as we know, should be achieved much more easily, making the car significantly more competitive. This is somewhat what the Modena-based team expects.
During the three days of track testing, which took place at the end of February, Ferrari, by observing the onboard footage, showed good performance in exiting the first chicane toward Turn 4. The same goes for the section leading to Turn 10. The Italian car needs to achieve optimal balance in the fast and tight sections of the circuit, between Turns 11 and 14, areas where it had shown some weakness.
Tire management
Another crucial aspect for Ferrari will be rear tire management. The tires, in fact, will be stressed longitudinally during traction and will undergo micro-slips during the lap. Reducing this dynamic is crucial for Ferrari, as it is not at McLaren’s level in tire management. The key word? Contain the surface temperature of the tires.
On the other hand, this aspect will have a decisive impact on tire durability and, of course, on the available grip during stints with high fuel loads, over the 300 kilometers. All while keeping in mind the high ambient temperatures, which are higher than those during pre-season testing and could strongly influence car performance.
With the upcoming technical updates, Ferrari will have the opportunity to significantly improve its performance, aiming to extract the maximum benefit on the Sakhir track. A truly crucial test for the continuation of the season. If the team manages to handle understeer properly and optimize the setup, the SF-25 could finally unleash its full potential.
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