The Ferrari SF-23 defies all expectations and secures the front row in the Mexican Grand Prix. Charles and Carlos delivered a flawless first attempt in Q3. The Prancing Horse team has managed to fine-tune the entry phase with targeted adjustments to the third element of the suspension without sacrificing the impressive speed demonstrated during free practice. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were able to recover some of the lost speed in the slower corners.
World champion Max Verstappen stopped just 97 thousandths of a second behind the Monegasque. In the FP3, we highlighted how, despite lacking a clear strength, Red Bull’s number 1 managed to construct the overall best lap. However, in qualifying, this approach wasn’t enough, and the main reason was the setup upgrade made by the Italian team.
It’s both surprising and delightful to find Daniel Ricciardo in the second row. The Australian driver and former Red Bull talent, after a period of absence and a settling-in race on Mexican soil, demonstrated that talent transcends time and misfortune, securing fourth place and outperforming the hometown hero, Sergio Perez.
Mexico GP 2023/Telemetric Analysis Q3 – S1: Ferrari SF-23 and RB19 same top speed, Leclerc excels in traction
The chart related to the first sector illustrates both a Red Bull and a Ferrari achieving the same top speed: 351 km/h, which is the same speed the SF-23 of Charles Leclerc maintained during FP2. With the DRS system open, Ricciardo struggled compared to his rivals, having to yield 9 km/h in top speed.
However, despite braking earlier than Charles Leclerc, the Australian manages to maintain the same minimum speed at the center of the first chicane. The Monegasque excels in changing direction between turn one and two, thanks to the vehicle’s increased responsiveness provided by an enhanced third element rigidity. Additionally, car number 16 can keep a higher throttle percentage between turns two and three, finishing with the best time in the first sector.
Mexico GP 2023/Telemetric Analysis Q3 – S2: Different driving styles, Ricciardo with better minimum speed
The second section of the Mexican track again highlights Leclerc’s higher speed after the second straight. While braking into Turn 6, the Ferrari driver and the Dutchman have a delayed braking point compared to Daniel Ricciardo. However, Daniel excels in changing direction with a more composed car, achieving a higher minimum speed in Turn 5.
In the section from the exit of Turn 4 to the exit of Turn 7, different driving styles between the two drivers become evident. Max Verstappen is generally more skilled at getting back on the throttle, preferring an earlier apex. In contrast, Charles Leclerc has a higher top speed in Turn 7 and can brake later.
Focusing on what happens in the snake section, Charles Leclerc has the highest top speed at the entry of Turn 7 and brakes later. This results in a delayed apex with subsequent difficulty in getting back on the throttle. In the stretch from Turn 8 to 10, Verstappen has a higher throttle percentage and doesn’t need to lift off the accelerator, resulting in a higher top speed.
Ricciardo made the difference in minimum speed at mid-turn and built an additional advantage in the traction phase through an AT04 capable of getting back on the throttle. The Australian has 6 km/h more minimum speed than Verstappen: 175 km/h at Turn 10.
Mexico GP 2023/Telemetric Analysis Q3 – S3: Verstappen sacrifices the snake in the stadium for a better exit at Turn 16
The S3 section once again shows Daniel Ricciardo’s outstanding performance, recording the fastest time. The only one, along with George Russell and Carlos Sainz, to break the 20-second barrier. Charles Leclerc sets up the stadium section differently. As seen from the graph illustrating the throttle progression, the Monegasque brakes and accelerates later than the other two analyzed drivers.
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Nevertheless, he manages to maintain the highest top speed. In contrast, Max Verstappen anticipates braking and acceleration phases, aiming for an earlier apex. This is made possible by a very precise entry of the car. The trajectory is designed to have a better position at the exit of Turn 16 towards the home straight. In Turn 17, the Dutchman indeed achieves a higher exit speed compared to his rivals.
Mexico GP 2023/Telemetric Curve Analysis: MCL60, the heaviest-loaded car, the various setup changes bring the drivers closer
Finally, we present a general summary by examining the minimum speeds of the cars in medium and low-speed corners. McLaren demonstrates having the best package concerning lower corner speeds. Analyzing the graph specifically related to the slow corners, it’s evident that the speed differential has decreased compared to Friday. The top drivers have an average speed falling within a 4 km/h range.
In the medium-speed corners, the lower part of the chart, there is a more significant difference. Oscar Piastri continues to shine, with the MCL60 boasting an aerodynamically loaded setup. Lewis Hamilton utilizes the additional vertical thrust from the updates introduced in Austin to narrow the gap to McLaren, while Ferrari and Red Bull are on the same level.
Source: Leonardo Pasqual and Alessandro Arcari for FUnoanalisitecnica
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