First images of Ferrari SF-23 from Barcelona: a detailed look at new sidepods and updated floor

Significant updates are expected on the Spanish circuit from almost all the teams, particularly on the Maranello team’s’s car, which, after the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna GP, has chosen the Spanish GP to have more accurate feedback on the effectiveness of the modifications made.

The twisty Monaco circuit would hardly have been able to provide significant indications regarding the important aerodynamic changes that Ferrari has prepared in order to address at least some of the issues affecting the SF-23 project, which is a direct evolution of the 2022 F1-75.

The goal of the technicians in Maranello is to achieve a better mechanical and aerodynamic balance, capable of placing the car in a wider operating window. This way, it will be easier to make the setup changes required by each circuit without compromising too much in terms of tire wear or overall stability.

This is what the drivers have been asking for in several GPs: a less nervous, less understeering car that allows for more consistent performance even with varying tire compounds, wear levels, and fuel loads—characteristics that perfectly describe the Red Bull RB19.

In Spain, a new floor is expected, as well as more tapered side pods and a revision of the rear suspension geometry. Team predictions suggest that lap times could be reduced by 4 to 5 seconds compared to 2022, due to a modification to the track (the final chicane, introduced in 2007, has been removed, returning the layout to its original configuration) and the developments of the cars compared to the previous season.

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Thanks to the ever-punctual Spanish reporter Albert Fabrega, the first images from the pitlane have arrived, but at the moment, they do not provide significant information. However, it is possible to note a medium-to-high downforce rear wing, for once very similar to the Red Bull’s, which remains the one with the highest downforce. Until now, the SF-23 has been almost forced to use a more trimmed rear wing to avoid the annoying aerodynamic bouncing and bottoming.

The mechanics are trying to conceal the car as best as possible inside the boxes, and at the moment, we can only observe a small modification to the rearview mirrors.

New side pods and engine cover for Ferrari. The channel under the side pods is more pronounced, and a better arrangement of the cooling area allows the engine cover to descend more rapidly towards the diffuser, benefiting the downwash.

And here is the new design of the step (edge) at the rear floor exit, highlighting intense work aimed at creating microvortices that seal the flow on the floor.