Ferrari, the experiments continue
At Silverstone, Ferrari conducted comparative tests that showed the old Imola package was more effective than the latest developments introduced at Montmeló. As we anticipated from the Barcelona event, aerodynamic bouncing reappeared on the SF-24, negating the benefits brought by the developments and even creating new problems.
The gain in aerodynamic load, the goal of the Montmeló floor, was achieved, but Ferrari cannot exploit it until the porpoising issue is resolved, which was not present in the simulator and which Frederic Vasseur describes as a problem that can be triggered in “minimal points,” as reported by Auto Motor und Sport.
The impression is that Ferrari has understood what triggers the problem, as confirmed by Carlos Sainz, but finding a solution is another matter. It is unlikely that a solution will be found before the summer break, so the most logical path is to continue choosing which package to use at the Hungaroring and at Spa. In Maranello, as confirmed by the German publication, they have decided to opt for the new package in Hungary and the old package in Belgium.
Frederic Vasseur’s comments
“There is no clear pattern where the bouncing occurs,” explained Fred Vasseur. “The trigger points can be minimal. Unfortunately, it is not possible to simulate this phenomenon even in the wind tunnel. Porpoising makes it incredibly difficult to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the car: the Silverstone experiment had to be done even if it is difficult for a team to give up something (in performance) in advance. Despite all the data, it is difficult to discover exactly which part of the car’s floor favors the bouncing. There are solutions that cost lap time, there must be one that does not cost lap time. This is only possible with another update. At the next race, we will still have to drive with what we have. I hope that later on parts will arrive that eliminate the bouncing. The others? I don’t look at them. We need to get back to the level of Imola or Monte-Carlo and be able to fight for pole position and wins. There are still twelve races, we can still make a big difference.” – the French manager explained.
The reasons for the choice
Due to its layout, the Hungaroring should not trouble the “new” SF-24: the corners of the winding Mogyoród track are generally slower than those of Silverstone and Montmeló, so the bouncing problem should be less pronounced. However, the problem would reappear in Belgium, where Ferrari plans to use the old floor, accepting less downforce but solving the bouncing issue at its root. Therefore, at Spa-Francorchamps, the Maranello team is expected to struggle, because even without porpoising, they would be competing with a car two months older than the competition: an eternity, especially in F1, where margins are so tight and cars make huge leaps forward (or backward) depending on the success of updates.
