New engine cover, front wing and floor for Ferrari SF-23 at Red Bull Ring

It was a positive weekend for Scuderia Ferrari in Canada at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, not so much for the result (fourth and fifth place for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz), but for what the red team showed during the event at the Quebec track and for the answers that seem to have been found to the questions of the past few months. In fact, for the first time, the SF-23 did not have tire management issues, showing itself to be fast, consistent, more predictable, less nervous, and, above all, capable of giving the drivers the confidence to push.

An improvement compared to the first part of the 2023 Formula 1 season, probably due to the developments brought to the track for the Spanish GP, which not only changed the shape of the SF-23 but also allowed for a better understanding and expanded its operating window. These advancements have led the Ferrari technicians to change their development plans compared to what was expected until a few days ago, deciding to bring all the planned upgrades to the track before the summer break.

These developments, in fact, will already be available from the next Austrian GP, whose effectiveness was tested by the Scuderia during a filming day on Tuesday at the Fiorano track. On that day, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, as reported by Motorsport, took turns driving the SF-23, gathering promotional material and useful data for the technicians to evaluate the new features.

However, due to the characteristics of the Fiorano track (a lot different from those of the Red Bull Ring), the definitive decision on the upgrades has not been made. In fact, the promotional day was more useful for conducting comparative tests and data correlation.

“There is no need to be deceived by the indications that emerged from the Filming Day. Ferrari used the 100 kilometers allowed for filming to try out the attire with which the SF-23 will present itself in Spielberg. The home circuit […] is not significant for a comparison with the Austrian GP, but the occasion was useful for seeking data correlation between the standard Evo red car and the car equipped with the new aerodynamic package, and more. […] The tires were demo tires, so it is not appropriate to talk about performance but rather data collection.”

The novelties have involved various areas of the car (floor, front wing, engine cover) and have provided positive feedback, but as mentioned, the final decision will only be made once the race weekend begins.

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“Vasseur and the technicians have deliberated an action plan that includes firing all the developments before the break, to see if this car can extract the potential that has so far remained hidden. […] And gradually, on the home track, the SF-23 introduced the updates that were then sent to Austria: engine cover, front wing, and floor. The analyses in Fiorano are positive, but the data must be taken with caution: the numbers show improvement, but confirmation from the Red Bull Ring is needed to be certain that the team has finally taken the right path.”

According to rival teams, the filming day was at the limit of the regulations, where new mappings of the power unit were also tested to extract more performance and limit tire wear.

“The aerodynamic package seen in Fiorano, along with the different management of hybrid electric power, are novelties that bring a smile. […] Some observers have described the attitude of the Prancing Horse as pushing the limits of the spirit of the regulations regarding the use of the updates during the Filming Day. Ferrari did not circumvent any written rule […] but it is right for the Maranello team to exploit every opportunity given to climb back up the ranks.”