Ferrari is confident in optimizing the performance of the SF-23 in Nevada. This is the approach that the historic Italian team intends to adopt for this American weekend. To do so, it will try to make the most of its characteristics, which, upon examination, seem to find a good compromise with the American track. There is plenty of power in the straight for a power unit, the 066/10, second to none in terms of deployable power.
We’re talking about a factor that the red team can undoubtedly leverage against its competitors, considering that there are many high-speed stretches on the Las Vegas Street Circuit. Under this aspect, the hybrid configuration will be important, necessary to spread the 130kW (approximately 200 hp) over the lap. Being in an electric energy deficit at the end of the 2km-long straight could significantly impact the lap time performance.
For the rest, coupled with this motor condition, aerodynamic efficiency will play a fundamental role, an aspect on which Ferrari feels more prepared than Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin, the three rivals contending for the “second force” status in the Stars and Stripes land. Yes, because, let’s say it right away, although the hope of being the best always exists, Red Bull remains the clear favorite even this weekend.
At the mechanical level, the American track suggests a configuration that is generally softer, although, especially for the historic Ferrari team, it will have to identify and configure the correct stiffness at the front end, with the clear objective of providing the SF-23 with reactivity and precision in corner entry. Ultimately, the aerodynamic configuration. Observing the layout of the track, the importance of being fast on the straights is evident, considering the presence of only one high-speed corner, number 3.
Las Vegas GP 2023: Ferrari SF-23 and McLaren MCL60 optimize top speeds
Thanks to the first images coming from the Las Vegas pit lane, shots by the evergreen Spanish journalist Albert Fabrega, we can comment on the main technical choices decided upstream. Decisions on which the weight of simulator work is decidedly higher, considering the total absence of old references. As we explained in the preview, the optimal load for the twenty-first championship round is medium-low, given the presence of long straights alternating with many low-load curves, where mechanical grip is more necessary.
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Source: FUnoanalisitecnica
Most teams have chosen settings in line with expectations. However, Ferrari proposes a specification that foresees even lower downforce, in fact, the one used at Monza. We know well that on the Prancing Horse car, this is the package that best adapts to the SF-23 since it does not put the generation of front-end grip in crisis. Through the shot, it is evident how the main plane is almost horizontal, with only a slight curvature at the endplate attachment.
McLaren aligns itself with the red team, presenting a main profile completely horizontal, devoid of curves to limit the endplate vortices. The MCL60 generally has good rear load resulting from the optimal work of the floor-diffuser duo. For this reason, the Woking technicians try to unload the rear as much as possible to recover top speed to defend themselves on the long straights. Note the very short chord of the mobile flap.
Las Vegas GP 2023: Mercedes W14 and Red Bull RB19 choose more loaded settings
Mercedes opts for a medium-low load wing. The W14 cannot manage a configuration that is too unloaded as the stability at the rear would be insufficient. Unlike other teams, in fact, the main plane shows a much more pronounced leading edge and with a larger frontal area. The superior downforce will help input energy into the tires since the black cars, compared to the SF-23, suffer during the warm-up phase, finding the optimal working point with higher asphalt temperatures.
Source: FUnoanalisitecnica
Finally, we come to Red Bull, which, as always in the current racing campaign, adopts a more loaded setup. It can do so thanks to the great efficiency of the RB19, which with this precise setup can maximize top speed and vertical downforce. We notice an increased frontal area and above all, the chord of the second flap is more deflecting than that of the competitors, an aspect that will make the use of the movable wing much more effective.
Source: Alessandro Arcari and Niccoló Arnerich for FUnoanalisitecnica
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