Ferrari knows how to improve SF-23 race pace at Monza

Scuderia Ferrari believes in itself. Why shouldn’t they? Aiming for the maximum is always the right choice, even though in the end, another team might prove to be better. Of course, we’re talking about Red Bull, skilled at building a truly impressive F1 car that adapts to any track. But the Maranello team has nothing to lose. They are looking for a stage win or at least a lot of satisfaction in the 2023 campaign, where once again, they find themselves filling their eyes with others’ triumphs.

Ferrari’s Friday went beyond the rosiest expectations. First of all, we must emphasize that, for once, avoiding empty proclamations, the work done at home in preparation for the race weekend seemed genuinely good. In the garage, the simulation study produced a genuine and factual setup, adjusted after the first run in FP1 to maximize the configuration.

We have already delved into technical matters through our usual analysis, a speculative field where the goodness of the work done is confirmed through data. The Milton Keynes team remains the favorite. Not acknowledging this would be foolish. However, considering the stability of the SF-23’s aerodynamic platform, its solid performance on long runs, and the significant power of the 066/10 engine waiting to be “unleashed,” dreaming of a front row or even a pole position doesn’t seem like an impossible feat.

Without a doubt, to continue nurturing this ambition, the FP3 session will be crucial. The Prancing Horse has identified areas for improvement that they will carefully focus on starting at 12:30 PM to continue their learning curve regarding the setup. The highest level of concentration is present in their attempt to give the sea of red fans, who have come in large numbers to support their favorite team during the Italian weekend, a dream to remember.

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Ferrari: The Latest Technical Details to Keep Dreaming

The two “Carlos” are giving their all. As mentioned in the onboard analysis, however, among Ferrari fans, it was Leclerc who struggled somewhat to adapt to his car. His aggressive driving style didn’t quite match that of his teammate. In general, Charles failed to find the correct reference points, especially from the second sector onwards. This was a result of a different direction in setup.

The precise aero-mechanical setup of the SF-23 is sound. There’s no doubt about that. Carlos Sainz, driving car number 55, demonstrated this by displaying a lot of confidence and good handling skills. This is where the driver from Monaco must start, aware that part of the as-yet-unrealized potential on the push lap resides in his hands.

Regarding high-fuel simulations, Charles Leclerc’s comfort with the red car was undoubtedly superior. Although tests with a high fuel load on board were abruptly halted by the red flag, the former Alfa Romeo driver pleasantly described the behavior of the red car, and as he himself stated after FP2, he knows well what to do to achieve the same sensations on a dry lap.

Carlos let enthusiasm take over. After all, it doesn’t seem that difficult in the splendid Monza setting. The unique characteristics of the temple of speed appear to amplify the qualities of the SF-23, and the Spanish driver, as we have seen, didn’t miss the opportunity to maximize his strength and energy on the track. With little fuel on board, the Iberian driver placed himself at the top of the timesheets in the second free practice session for the Italian Grand Prix. Looking at the performance, he could have done even better in that session.

But according to Carlos Sainz, the real room for improvement lies in the pace that can be developed on long runs. On this point, the Ferrari driver will work hard today, with the goal of optimizing his Ferrari’s productivity and continuing to fuel a long-desired desire. Achieving the goal remains complicated. We know that very well. But the approach, without a doubt, aims to reach the set target.