Ferrari SF-23: new setup to enhance performance of 066/10 Power Unit in Mexico City

The goal for the Ferrari SF-23 in Mexico is clear: optimize performance on a track that, once again, will push technicians and engineers towards a compromise setup. We have extensively analyzed the fundamental characteristics of the American track this morning. We did so through an article that examines the circuit from a telemetric point of view, which allows us to understand the essential parameters to consider for constructing an effective setup.

For the rest, the red car could still suffer, especially in S2, the part of the circuit where the wide-radius fast corners disliked by the SF-23 are evident. Without a doubt, refraining from a stable aerodynamic platform in this area is not a good idea. Not to mention the understeering behavior that will likely appear in the final part of the circuit. Furthermore, there is one aspect that, unfortunately, keeps reoccurring shamelessly and needs to be mentioned.

Yes… we’re talking about the “fantasy” strategies that the pit wall, led by Jain Ravin with the telematic support of the remote garage, continues to insistently propose, almost as if it were an obligation. Although trying something different to maximize an unsatisfactory result is more than appropriate, it would be necessary to analyze and understand if the risks taken are proportionate to the competitive scenario. However, afterwards, we consistently find ourselves in the same chaos.

Then there’s the tire factor. Tire management seems simpler compared to the recent past, but it also appears to be an issue that is difficult to overcome. But when the blanket is short, you can’t cover everything. You must choose the part that will remain uncovered, knowing that over the weekend, it will prove to be a genuine deficiency. Of course, you can choose which characteristic is more easily minimized, but the problem remains.

Ferrari SF-23: A Custom Configuration to Optimize the Power and Efficiency of the 066/10 Power Unit

First of all, an important fact: the high altitude has a very negative impact on the behavior of single-seaters, particularly concerning the engine side. The turbocharger, in fact, an extremely important component for the current power units, “feeds” on oxygen, which is subsequently directed into the endothermic combustion chamber. The quantity of air particles and their density, therefore, stands as a fundamental parameter for the proper functioning of this component.

In Mexico, the air density is approximately 27% lower. This means that the oxygen present is about a third less than on a sea-level track. This factor affects not only aerodynamics and cooling but also the proper functioning of the propulsion system. Therefore, turbine revolutions that pump air into the engine are increased, trying to compensate for this deficiency and, in turn, recover performance.

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Furthermore, the low density of the air flows also has negative effects on the hybrid part. The generator that recovers energy through the enthalpy of exhaust gases, in fact, is less efficient due to the lower power output of the internal combustion engine. In terms of power, for every 10 horsepower, the estimated performance improvement is approximately 0.27 seconds per lap.

Up to this point, apart from the considerations, the electrical component of the power units remains significant. 2496 Kj is obtained through the MGU-H and added to 985 Kj recovered from the MGU-K, for a total of 3481 Kj available each lap. This is an advantage that, to the stopwatch, “gifts” about 2.6 seconds per lap, with an increase in the top speed of 16 km/h. Important figures that undoubtedly need to be exploited to the fullest. For this reason, given the reflections on these elements in relation to the track layout, Ferrari has thoroughly studied the data collected during the recent races.

The Maranello team’s believes it can make the most of the engine’s abilities. In addition to the recent update to the software that manages power delivery, a measure that has further improved the traction phase, a particular configuration regarding the location of the circuit has been studied. The 066/10 engine’s turbine is anything but small, and the setups proposed during the weekend should eliminate the deficit concerning altitude. This is a significant benefit that Ferrari intends to “use” effectively during the lap.

Furthermore, according to the information gathered by our editorial staff, the Italian team could use fresh power units to maximize performance. We will only find out on Friday, though. In the meantime, we can state that, for Frederic Vasseur, avoiding embarrassment and getting the most out of the available package is the only goal of the weekend.