Let’s take a look at a lateral and longitudinal acceleration analysis for Scuderia Ferrari, Red Bull and Aston Martin based on data collected from the qualifying session for the 2023 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche circuit:
The Ferrari SF-23 car was actually quicker than the Red Bull RB19 in the first part of the Jeddah Corniche circuit. Then, the Maranello team’s car started to be slower on the straight as compared to the Red Bull, as if they had a less effective ERS system that made them save a bit of battery. The Aston Martin car suffered on the straights.
At the Bahrain International Circuit two weeks ago, Ferrari was very quick on the straights but lacked the downforce needed to be effective in the fast corners. That was caused by the sub-optimal wing they were running: here, the SF-23 car is best in the fast corners! Their drag advantage disappeared, though.
The top three cars are very close grip-wise! Top speed made the difference in terms of overall lap time, with Red Bull faster than Ferrari and the Maranello team faster than Aston Martin. Red Bull with a single beam wing probably have opted for the least downforce among the three. Hence not good in braking and traction in which they were mighty in Bahrain. The RB19 was actually the worst at braking, but their unmatched top speed made up for that.
Ferrari was quickest in high-speed corners, the Aston effective under braking.
Fernando Alonso was able to stay full-throttle for over 3/4 of the lap! But the lower top speed dragged them down. The Red Bull car could stay full-throttle for long even though they covered the straights in far less time!
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