Ferrari intends to get back on top in the upcoming Formula 1 weekend. This will not be easy, but the Italian team has worked hard. Many hours were spent on the simulator in order to increase the understanding of the new updates because the goal for the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix is to optimize the updates from Spain and consequently improve the performance of the SF-24 single-seater. According to team principal Frederic Vasseur, it can be done, as the data collected at the Circuit de Catalunya confirmed the effectiveness of the updates. Everything worked, and the historic Maranello team saw firsthand what had been hypothesized in the design phase.
Austria, as we were saying, is the home of Red Bull. A peculiar, old-fashioned track where McLaren could even start as the favorite. They will need to maximize the package to beat the impressive Max Verstappen because the Dutchman is showcasing great talent that allows the RB20 number 1 to continue winning. Then there’s also Mercedes, which cannot be forgotten. A team that seemed lost until last month, until it showed in Canada that the performance step exists and can be transferred to other tracks without too many problems.
As predicted, Red Bull has mounted the medium-high load specification, recently used in the Imola and Canada Grands Prix. The wing features a rather pronounced leading edge and a fairly large frontal area, similar to the Ferrari version. The Italian team, in turn, is reintroducing the medium load specification used most often during the championship, with the latest version revised in the wing tips area in the Imola race. As we can see from the images taken in the Red Bull Ring pitlane, the thickness of the leading edge on the SF-24 wing is more contained. The objective is to generate a smaller pressure difference between the bottom and top.
Ferrari wants to optimize top speeds while maintaining the necessary load for the stretch between Turn 6 and the finish line. This is the specification they know best. The technicians have discarded the medium-high load version, believing that the current downforce installed is sufficient through the appropriate combination with the beam wing incidence. To stabilize the rear, the red team needs to limit the floor excursions at high speeds. Therefore, a stiffer rear setup should be the chosen path with the setup.
This way, Ferrari aims to consolidate the part of the circuit that includes the type of corners most suitable for the Italian car. We are referring to the support turns at a speed range where the SF-24 has always found plenty of grip and stability. Logically, the theory makes sense, although we have to wait for confirmation on the setup, which must be able to maximize the strengths. All this considering that both Prancing Horse cars will feature the new floor we observed in Spain.
Red Bull will be able to benefit from a few extra points of load, given that the two RB20 cars can undoubtedly sacrifice some top speed points thanks to the excellent drag resistance of the Austrian cars. This aspect will be very convenient between turn 2 and turn 3, but also in traction at Turn 1 to stabilize a rear that in certain circumstances lightens too much on entry, where the balance is still not perfect. The better aerodynamic penetration allows for greater loading of the second axle, and the problem is contained.
F1, Austrian GP: McLaren with medium load. Mercedes seeks efficiency
As for the surprising McLaren team, we can see that the wing specification chosen for Austria is the one already used in the last two F1 world championship rounds: Canada and Barcelona. This version can produce a medium load level thanks to the not very pronounced leading edge. The second flap has a very high curvature, capable of reducing the local incidence in the outermost area. This aspect should consequently increase the total efficiency of the car, undoubtedly a point in favor of the Woking team.
Regarding Mercedes, examining our comparison made through the shots from the 4.318-kilometre Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, we notice that the Brackley technicians have chosen to bring what they consider to be the most efficient specification at their disposal. The W15 wing offers a fairly pronounced main plane in its central portion, where the load generated by the car tends to be concentrated. The pressure distribution has a decreasing trend towards the outer profile, to contain the losses due to induced drag.
Source: FUnoanalisitecnica
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