The only fixed point of the 2023 Ferrari is Charles Leclerc. Stated this way, it might seem that everything else is to be discarded, but that’s not entirely the case. There’s Carlos Sainz, for instance, the only driver in the last racing season capable of breaking Red Bull’s dominance. However, the Spaniard, as skillful and determined as he is, lacks the talent of the Monegasque. That ability to go beyond and compensate for the car’s shortcomings with one’s own skills.
Speaking of shortcomings, the SF-23 had quite a few. Defects that were more or less visible depending on the layout. A lot of work has been done in this regard. The basic idea aimed at correcting problems but, above all, at gathering data to form a technical basis for future use. Invaluable knowledge to transfer to the new single-seater, the 676 project, which must be capable of changing things in the 2024 Formula One championship.
Already during the second part of the season, Charles Leclerc had mentioned a new working approach capable of providing satisfaction. A different methodology with an eye towards tomorrow. The former Alfa Romeo driver talked about the approach related to the tasks to be carried out during a race weekend, always keeping an eye on the future even during races. Apparently, these measures have worked, enriching the know-how of the minds in Maranello regarding what needs to be done.
Ferrari chooses Charles Leclerc to strengthen the future technical approach
The technical turning point, contrary to what one might think, did not come in Spain with the upgrade that saw the partial elimination of the so-called “fish tanks.” Because the real cognitive step towards a more factual setup occurred in Japan, a competitive scenario where the Prancing Horse presented a new floor. The differences compared to the old version were not that great, although undoubtedly interesting and finally useful.
The entry of the venturi channels saw a modification to the reduced-size entry edge. A targeted change to alter local pressure, considering that even under the floor, something was modified to correct the vortical structure of the SF-23. Another novelty concerned the portion of the floor located in front of the rear wheels. It’s a crucial area that required precise work.
Therefore, the step present on the final edge disappeared, with the part of the car in question undergoing a lowering, useful to make the passage of flows in the area between the tire shoulder and the diffuser’s “side wall” more effective. We are talking about an adjustment that pleased Charles Leclerc quite a bit. The Monegasque reiterated this strongly in recent days through an interview for the Italian media.
The Ferrari driver claims that from the Japanese event, the technical setup has taken the right direction, which has indeed favored his driving style. This indicates how the Maranello team has focused a lot on its “little jewel,” considering the various indications from Charles Leclerc to guide the car’s development towards the 676 project.
Source: Alessandro Arcari for Formula Uno Analisi Tecnica
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