Ferrari moving forward with testing: more updates to further understand SF-23 in Hungary

The performance gap between Ferrari and Red Bull is glaringly evident. As a result, the updates planned during the early stages of the 2023 Formula One season were delayed. The need to analyze and understand the flaws in the project 675 effectively halted the production of the scheduled updates. Once the issues were addressed, the GES (Gestione Sportiva, Ferrari’s sports management division) quickly accelerated its efforts, aiming to close the considerable gap from the previous season.

In Spain, the first significant package of modifications arrived. However, an incorrect setup limited its potential despite a significant aerodynamic change. Subsequently, between Canada and Austria, the SF-23 single-seater showed much more consistent performances. Improved tuning, combined with a layout better suited to the Italian car, revealed its enhanced intrinsic capabilities.

However, the real test came in England, where the red car struggled, particularly in managing the tires. Team Principal Fred Vasseur attributed the poor British performance to weather conditions. The strong crosswind “disrupted” part of the vortex structure directed towards the rear, exacerbating the inherent instability at certain speeds, impacting the lap times significantly.

Moreover, the race approach did not help, as the decisions made further hindered the Maranello team. On this point, the manager from Draveil seems to have a clear idea, as he calls out Pirelli for allegedly being unable to provide proper instructions on the strategic methodology of the various tire compounds. This is based on the assumption that the data provided by the teams to the Italian tire manufacturer should be sufficient to ensure a more precise “mode of use.”

The Ferrari SF-23 suffers from inherent understeer and performance instability, limiting the drivers

When an F1 car tends to widen its trajectory towards the outside, everything becomes complicated. It represents a clear discrepancy between the front and rear axles, making it difficult for the driver to follow the correct racing line. This reduces the speed at the apex of the curve and, consequently, the overall lap time. This issue arises from an inherent flaw in the Ferrari SF-23.

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Resolving it fully without a complete redesign of the car proves to be a challenging prospect, considering the required time and the constraints of the budget cap, which has been in effect for the past two years. As a result, the drivers’ confidence diminishes, and feeling uncomfortable behind the wheel of their own car has psychological implications.

For this reason, instead of “wasting time” defining new contracts for the two “Carlos,” Ferrari has chosen to impose a guideline to be implemented during the remaining weekends. The intention is to create a direct channel between the drivers and the engineers, where the primary focus is on the progression of the car. Maximizing the capabilities of the SF-23 through a complete understanding of the mechanical vehicle.

We have already discussed this issue on our pages, anticipating the matter well in advance. After all, the targeted study of the onboard data does not lie. We have seen how each individual session, including the race, has been used for quite some time to conduct various tests beneficial to the cause. Leclerc has embodied this “order” perfectly, while Carlos Sainz, though less, is also working on it.

Ferrari: More updates to further understand the SF-23

As observed during the recent championship rounds, the battle behind Red Bull is fierce. In this “silent” war, several factors can make a difference, including the car’s natural adaptation to the track, the ability to find the correct setup, calculated strategic choices, and last but not least, the talent of the drivers. All these factors contribute to overcoming the opponent. Within this scenario, there is another factor that adds to the equation: updates.

Whether it is a genuine upgrade or a “simple” adaptation to the track, this element has the power to change the fate of the entire race weekend. Not only in terms of results but also, as in the case of the Maranello team, in the quest to understand and improve the single-seater. That is why the efforts to update the SF-23 will continue to be present in the coming months, as explained by F1 expert Alessandro Arcari for FUnoanalisitecnica.

The Hungarian Grand Prix, the eleventh round of the 2023 Formula One championship, features a very specific track layout. Considering the characteristics of the Ferrari single-seater, the circuit unfolding in Mogyoród should be less hostile than Silverstone. Additionally, according to information gathered by the FUnoanalisitecnica team, the Hungaroring could see the debut of a new version of the rear wing capable of optimizing the vertical downforce at the rear.

It remains to be seen whether this specific version will eventually be paired with the particular beam wing configuration seen in England, through which the Ferrari engineers want to rely on the first profile for underfloor extraction. Alternatively, the work on the new rear wing version might find better results with the base version. The question will remain until Thursday. Meanwhile, we cannot rule out an “adjustment” to the front end to maintain the aerodynamic platform as stable as possible.