Montreal is perfect for “masking” the lack of aerodynamic load.
“In Canada, the right compromise between top speed and the ability to attack the curbs is needed.” This is how Max Verstappen presented the Montreal event, where he triumphed one year ago after securing pole position in a wet qualifying session. In the main event on Sunday, the Red Bull driver was in control of the race when a late Safety Car, caused by Yuki Tsunoda’s off-track excursion, gave Carlos Sainz the opportunity to erase the gap he had on the Dutchman, which was enough to deny the use of DRS to the Spaniard.
The final part of the 2022 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix was intense, with Max Verstappen managing to defend against his former teammate in Toro Rosso. Charles Leclerc knew from the start that he would have to make his way up from the back of the starting grid due to a penalty related to the introduction of a new power unit (Ferrari took advantage of the loopholes in the regulations to practically introduce two units at the cost of a single penalty), so he couldn’t fully exploit the competitiveness of the F1-75 on the circuit named after Gilles Villeneuve.
The Canadian track is a stop-and-go circuit with long straights and braking zones, lacking medium-speed aerodynamic load, which is what the SF-23 lacks, as highlighted in the latest analysis by F1 expert Federico Albano for the Italian website FormulaPassion.
The only problem for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz could be tire degradation, but on paper, in Canada, the Ferrari drivers should take advantage of a great opportunity to have a standout weekend in Montreal.
The simulator sees Ferrari’s redemption
According to today’s edition of Il Corriere dello Sport, “simulation systems have depicted a reality for 2023 that is not too different from the 2022 Grand Prix.” The Rome-based newspaper also adds that “the prediction for Aston Martin has improved, so on paper, a battle between Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Mercedes is anticipated behind Red Bull.”
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The Mercedes W14 2.0 was clearly the best behind Red Bull at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, but at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Canada, the “gentleness” of the evolved Mercedes with the tires may not be as crucial as traction and power from the power unit will be. Regarding Aston Martin, it should also be noted that Lawrence Stroll’s team has a significant upgrade in store for the AMR23 driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll (most likely a new floor).
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