Ferrari SF-23 vs SF-24 comparison in Austin: clear improvement in critical areas. The comparison between the Ferrari SF-23 and SF-24 at COTA shoes significant progress for Ferrari.

Ferrari’s dominance at the Circuit of the Ameriacs in Texas will remain one of the standout performances for the Maranello team in the 2024 Formula 1 championship. In comparison with Red Bull and McLaren, Ferrari demonstrated the best balance across all sectors. What is most surprising and encouraging is the comparison between the Ferrari SF-23 and SF-24 in the qualifying lap in Austin.

Improvement in slow-speed areas and more
Comparing the telemetry from the fastest qualifying laps between 2023 and 2024 reveals substantial differences in favor of the current car. Up to the snake section, the differences are minimal, with the SF-24 holding less than a tenth of an advantage. However, these data should be taken with caution, as they reflect the laps completed in qualifying before George Russell‘s final attempt was canceled.

In the snake section, the gap starts to grow, with the SF-24 showing an average speed 7 km/h higher. The exit from turns 8-9 has also greatly improved, where the car’s platform is much more stable, allowing the drivers to open the throttle more without losing rear grip. This improved exit influences the approach to turn 11, where the SF-24 arrives with 4 km/h more speed compared to its predecessor. Despite the higher speed, the current car has made a significant step forward in braking.

SF-24 and that “tricked-out” rear in Austin
On the longest straight of the track, a feature of the Ferrari SF-24 that was first revealed in Bahrain re-emerges. Once past 300 km/h, the speed delta opens in favor of the 2024 car, despite the SF-23 being extremely effective on the straights. The rear of the car, once it reaches a certain aerodynamic load, “collapses” and lowers. This directly affects the airflow under the car, which “flows” faster, improving aerodynamic efficiency.

Great effectiveness was also seen in the final sector, which includes a sharp high-speed left-hand turn. Between turns 13-14 and 15, the slowest part of the circuit, the car’s behavior has improved, especially in peak speeds. This is a sign of improved traction and sequential braking performance.

Excellent performance was also noted in the hairpin, where the SF-24 had a higher exit speed, indicating regained stability, particularly in long, sweeping corners. There was also a notable improvement in turn 19, where the minimum cornering speed is over 20 km/h faster.

Source: f1ingenerale