Ferrari SF-24 completes first laps at Fiorano: shakedown provides initial answers

Immediately on the track, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz drove the Ferrari SF-24 at Fiorano in a shakedown preceding the tests in Bahrain: what did they experience?

While we still have to wait a few more days for the tests in Bahrain, the Fiorano shakedown is already an opportunity for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to understand some aspects of the new Ferrari SF-24.

The presentation of the new Maranello single-seater took place in an atmosphere of absolute sobriety. The low profile dictated by team principal Fred Vasseur emphasizes humility and moderation. A brief live video from the team showcased Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz driving the car.

Following the few seconds of the clip, the protagonists gave statements to the press and television, along with their very first laps on the track. The kilometers covered at Fiorano during the shakedown represent a “baptism” of the track, an exciting stage of the year useful for forming an initial idea of some parts of the car.

After getting out of the SF-24, the two drivers – Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz – shared their feelings about the first runs of the Prancing Horse at Fiorano. “We are alone on the track, it’s only the first lap of the year…,” a smiling Charls Leclerc began. As expected, the Monegasque driver avoids making bold statements, but optimism can be glimpsed in his words. The positive feeling from the simulator seems to be faithful to the track. Charles emphasized several times: “Everything went well, everything worked as expected.”

Carlos Sainz also spoke at the end of the first drive with the SF-24: “Everything went smoothly, we didn’t encounter any issues. We did a good installation lap, even though we only did one and a half laps.”

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“Despite this, the impressions were positive. Every time you get into a car for the first time, you can always feel something: you can get an idea of the steering, pedals, seating position. These are the fundamentals along with the control of every system and sensor,” he concluded.

Positive vibes at Fiorano and smiles on the faces of the drivers. The sensations inspire hope, and no issues were encountered in the SF-24‘s very first track experience. To start pushing, they are still waiting a few more days, as the drivers have pointed out, but the starting point gives them confidence. Charles Leclerc further demonstrated this confidence with additional words. According to the Monegasque driver from the Prancing Horse, the 2024 Formula 1 car is already better than the 2023 model…