Scuderia Ferrari has already set its sights on the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, making a bold statement at the 6.2-kilometre Las Vegas Strip Circuit in Nevada by testing a purely experimental floor on Carlos Sainz‘s SF-24. This prototype was never intended for immediate racing but served as a vital step in shaping the Scuderia’s understanding for next year’s developments.
The new floor aimed to bridge the widening gap between real-world performance and simulation data, an issue that has plagued this generation of Formula 1 cars. The floor and its related components remain the most challenging to master under current regulations. Numerous teams, including Ferrari, have encountered setbacks when real-world results failed to align with expected performance from simulations. Earlier this year, the Scuderia faced significant challenges after introducing a floor at the Spanish GP that induced high-speed bouncing.
The Italian side’s experimental setup in Las Vegas provided a critical opportunity to evaluate whether its upgraded wind tunnel data accurately translates to on-track performance. This test wasn’t just about tweaking a single component; it involved a holistic overhaul of key elements, including the floor fences, the forward underfloor expansion, the floor edges, and the diffuser ramp’s sidewall.
One particularly notable aspect of the experimental floor was the edge wing design. Ferrari revisited an L-shaped configuration for the rear section of the edge wing, a concept it had previously explored in both 2022 and 2023 but later abandoned due to underwhelming results. This design has appeared on other cars in the paddock, suggesting it offers theoretical advantages in simulations. However, achieving its full potential requires perfect synergy with the rest of the car’s aerodynamic package.
The latest iteration featured a flatter surface relative to the ground, paired with redesigned metal support brackets to accommodate variations in flexibility compared to the current configuration. These adjustments indicate Ferrari is still refining the intricate balance required to maximize performance from this feature. Although the precise underfloor changes remain hidden from view, it’s clear they were integral to the experimental floor’s development.
Beyond the floor, Ferrari also made aerodynamic tweaks for Las Vegas. The upper flap of the front wing was trimmed more aggressively than in its Monza configuration. This modification sought to enhance the car’s balance and increase straight-line speed. Accompanying this was Ferrari’s lowest-downforce rear wing, a carryover from Monza, paired with a single-element, short-chord beam wing to optimize aerodynamic efficiency.
While these updates mirrored some of Ferrari’s aerodynamic strategies from Monza, the cooling setup diverged significantly due to the colder conditions in Las Vegas. The engine cover louvres were more tightly closed, reflecting adjustments to manage the lower ambient temperatures effectively.
Ferrari’s proactive approach in experimenting with such a comprehensive package at this stage of the season underscores its commitment to addressing the shortcomings of its current car and laying a strong foundation for the 2025 Formula 1 championship. The insights gained from these trials could prove pivotal in its quest to close the gap to its rivals and reestablish itself as a front-runner in Formula 1.
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