In terms of performance, Ferrari has experienced varying fortunes this season. During the critical period from Barcelona to the initial progress at Zandvoort, the team averaged a gap of three-tenths from the top. McLaren had already established itself as the fastest car, with an average lap time of 1:24.986 compared to Ferrari’s 1:25.140.
Starting from Monza, Ferrari’s adjustments began to pay off, bringing its performance level on par with McLaren, which had, despite errors, solidified its strength and overtaken Red Bull. The exception was the drop in Singapore, where the weekend started poorly for Ferrari. Nevertheless, the average gap was reduced by over 70%, with Ferrari achieving an average lap time of 1:33.120 compared to McLaren’s 1:32.988. Meanwhile, growing difficulties for Red Bull and Mercedes were evident in their larger deficits, although both teams managed to win races against expectations.
In Las Vegas, Ferrari introduced an experimental floor, not aimed at enhancing the SF-24’s performance but solely for correlation purposes following the widening of the front section in the wind tunnel. The edge of the floor was completely redesigned to correlate the airflow from the front tires with the downstream flow of the car. While it did not directly increase the car’s speed—since the standard floor is very effective in slow corners—it provided some benefits in high-speed corners in terms of drivability, which both drivers appreciated. This opened up the possibility of using it in Qatar.
Carlos Sainz reported increased confidence in the car, and the data showed that while the overall downforce remained the same, the way the floor generated it and reached its peak had changed. This translated into greater confidence, particularly in high-speed corners above 200 km/h, which were minimal in Las Vegas and not critical for performance but dominant at Lusail. As a result, Ferrari chose to equip Charles Leclerc’s SF-24 with the floor, testing and confirming the findings from the U.S., using it throughout the weekend with calculated risks.
Ferrari has completed its update program, with no possibility of having another experimental floor available
In Abu Dhabi, the experimental floor will again be available but without a second spare. This is a significant risk at the Emirati circuit, which has more critical areas in terms of run-offs. Additionally, only Turn 3 is very fast, contrasting with a range of sharp, slower corners. Engineers believe the standard SF-24 should still be competitive on straights and in medium-slow, short-radius corners (except for T5 and T10, which are wider).
Considering these factors, Ferrari’s decision remains open to discussion. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Maranello team’s engineers decided not to use the special floor, eliminating risks in parc fermé. Given the tight battle with McLaren heading into the season finale, as Frederic Vasseur reiterates, a flawless execution of the weekend is once again required. Taking risks is essential, but unlike Qatar, this moment also demands great caution to avoid regrets, as explained by F1 experts Giuliano Duchessa and Rosario Giuliana for autoracer.
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