Ferrari works to find SF24 stability and a better compromise setup | 2024 F1 Sao Paulo GP. F1, Brazil GP Shootout: Ferrari struggles in the first part of the circuit .

For now Ferrari has not managed to completely optimize the SF-24 single-seater in round 21 of the 2024 Formula 1 season. This is a situation we must acknowledge, particularly regarding the comments of the Ferrari team members in the usual team radio communications after Q3. Doing more was impossible given the level of the car. A good setup but not perfect. Once again, the red team demonstrated that 60 minutes is not enough to achieve the perfect setup for the car. And patience is necessary, especially considering that the Maranello team has been focusing seriously on the races for some time now, moments when points are awarded.

And this is how the Prancing Horse looks at today’s race, aware that the mini 100-kilometer race, referring to the Sprint Race, is viewed with great optimism. The super McLaren cars remain the favorites, no point in hiding that. The latest update on the rear wing worked quite well, providing the MCL38 with the right amount of downforce and simultaneously suitable aerodynamic penetration. Ferrari does not give up, it is obvious, and it is making its presence known throughout the weekend. The SF-24 has not achieved the expected level of grip, an element that has negatively impacted performance.

In a weekend like this, anything can happen. Just think back to the United States Grand Prix, where Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished third and fifth, just like yesterday in the fourth Sprint Shootout of the season. Then, after finding their rhythm and making some adjustments, they dominated the Sunday race. This is somewhat the hope for Ferrari in Brazil, which, keeping in mind the performance with a different amount of fuel on board, believes it can replicate an unexpected yet desired and, above all, very well-deserved final result.

F1, Brazil GP Shootout: Ferrari struggles in the first part of the circuit
The Brazilian qualifying session was interesting and full of work since all F1 teams had only one hour of practice to fine-tune their cars. Often, this time proves insufficient. Consequently, many drivers find themselves facing a session without a satisfying setup. Ferrari’s FP1 was rather difficult. It should be noted that there is a new asphalt surface, much smoother than the old one. However, the reality is different, and several bumps were still present along the track. Additionally, the Italian team built a base setup that was imperfect for the conditions.

The setup anticipated a ground clearance that was too low, in anticipation of a less drastic reference plan. The Ferrari team, therefore, complained about the car’s overly unstable behavior at high speeds. The bumps destabilized the work of the aerodynamic platform and excessively reduced the available grip. They then intervened on the ride height, a move that partially slowed down the process of building the optimal setup. Raising the car alters the aerodynamic mapping of the floor.

As a result, Ferrari was forced to modify its setup. Generally speaking, the aim was to shift the balance of the Maranello car rearward. On a macroscopic level, in S1, the red car lost time in the first chicane. Compared to McLaren and Red Bull, the SF-24 did not allow the drivers to ask much during the turn-in, aiming straight for the apex. This is a complicated section because braking is combined in a sloping area towards the outside. The Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz needed to delay the apex to position themselves better towards turn 2, as the stability in the rapid change of direction was good, and the car tended to lose composure easily.

F1, Brazil GP Shootout: Ferrari with traction issues, McLaren flies, and Red Bull optimizes
McLaren adapted very well to this track, also thanks to some new features at the rear. Updates that the Woking team introduced with a new rear wing, which mainly aims to increase the efficiency level of the car. Along with this new upgrade, two specifications of the beam wing were also introduced, producing different levels of downforce. They focused on this update to widen the car’s setup window, a factor that was evident. The compromise found was excellent, especially on the aerodynamic front.

The MCL38 was quite efficient and competitive in terms of EOSS while maintaining excellent minimum speeds in fast corners like 4-5-6 and 11. Moreover, in the slower sections of the Brazilian F1 track, McLaren showed truly solid handling. A precise and stable front end during turn-in allowed it to easily aim for the apex. Then, on exit, they could get on the throttle early without any sudden snaps. Meanwhile, Ferrari faced some minor issues in this regard, as during traction phases, the SF-24 experienced sudden instability after a few meters.

At Red Bull, it was not an easy day, with some complications regarding the car’s setup. Max Verstappen complained about a lack of rotation of the car in certain situations. Overall, we observed a car that was very loaded at the rear, as the team knows well that this type of setup is very effective on the RB20. The Milton Keynes team also worked hard on the tires, trying to find the right hysteresis process during the preparation lap. Mission accomplished, which allowed the Dutchman to achieve a good qualifying result.