The positive aspects for Scuderia Ferrari extend beyond the mere analysis of race pace in the Austrian Grand Prix and effective tire management at the 4.318-kilometre Red Bull Ring in Spielberg last weekend, even when compared to their closest competitors, Mercedes and Aston Martin, as the Maranello team hopes be able to recover the gap to P2 in the Constructors’ Championship standings.
During the one-hour free practice session on Friday, the Maranello engineers swiftly assessed the new SF-23 aerodynamic package, utilizing the information collected during the filming day that was held at the Fiorano circuit prior to the Austrian weekend to determine a setup that proved highly effective under dry conditions at the Red Bull Ring circuit.
In Austria, the SF-23 single-seater demonstrated a strong qualifying performance, establishing itself as the second-fastest team in Spielberg. However, as mentioned earlier, the Monegasque driver faced challenges in wet conditions on Saturday, while hos teammate Carlos Sainz excelled even in such mixed conditions and more difficult circumstances.
Crucially, the Maranello technicians have made progress in reducing or eliminating porpoising, a significant factor that had previously limited the SF-23 in this first part of the 2023 Formula One championship. The Ferrari car remained remarkably stable on both straights and high-speed corners, regardless of fuel load.
This achievement is of great significance as it was one of the targeted issues to address with these updates. Confirming this characteristic next weekend in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone will be crucial to avoid compromising the mechanical setup and sacrificing the downforce generated by the floor.
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The encouraging news is that the Italian side approached the Red Bull Ring weekend with a lower ground clearance, with minimal concerns about bouncing. In fact, Charles Leclerc managed to complete the race with tire wear levels well within the prescribed limits, highlighting the SF-23’s ability to handle more aggressive ride heights and showcase its enhanced potential, an excellent sign especially in view of the second part of the season and most importantly for the 2024 F1 project, as explained by F1 experts Paolo D’Alessandro, Piergiuseppe Donadoni and Giuliano Duchess for formu1a.uno.
From this point of view, there are no problems or worries for Scuderia Ferrari. On the contrary, this further confirms how the SF-23 single-seater was able to perform with increased confidence throughout the race, unlocking its improved capabilities, a key target for the team led by Frederic Vasseur, who is confident there is still more potential hiding in the 2023 Ferrari F1 car.
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