The red flag caused by Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc in the final stages of the second free practice session for the 2023 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix did not allow the drivers to complete the program focused on long runs. However, from the few laps completed, we can already draw some important considerations.
First, let’s make some premises. It’s very hot in Florida. Yesterday, the ambient temperature was around 30°C with the track constantly above 40°C. With the newly resurfaced track, the Soft (C4) tires showed graining and high degradation on some cars. Among those that suffered the most, guess what, we find the Ferrari SF-23.
Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton sharpen their weapons
Despite the few laps completed with a heavy fuel load on board, Carlos Sainz complained a lot via radio about the damaging phenomenon that influenced the times at the end of the session. Great pace and consistency, instead, for the Mercedes, which, looking at the times, seems to be able to set up an evenly matched duel with Aston Martin to secure podium positions. If Lewis Hamilton is the only one to manage a pace below 1’33” together with the Red Bulls (although distant), Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, set some excellent times on the Hard compound, faster even than the Ferraris on the Medium (Charles Leclerc) and Soft (Carlos Sainz) compounds.
With the Soft tires, Fernando also managed to set a stellar time of 1’31”9, replicated by Max Verstappen, who had the Mediums to his advantage. Below is the table of times.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
The usual Max
Looking at the timing references from the second practice session, one immediately realizes the great supremacy of Red Bull with Max Verstappen. Sergio Perez was a bit inconsistent yesterday, and the reported laps are the only significant ones he managed to complete. Compared to the last Azerbaijan GP, the Mexican seemed to be struggling more than his teammate, especially in the flying lap. The second position should not be at risk, but if he does not immediately start behind his teammate, it will be very difficult for him to fight for victory here in Miami.
Another difficult weekend for Ferrari
Fernando Alonso slightly ahead of Mercedes, while Scuderia Ferrari is preparing to face another difficult weekend in terms of tire degradation and management. McLaren surprises both in qualifying and race pace times, and could prove to be the an interesting protagonist of the weekend, recovering after a really complicated start to the 2023 Formula One season.
Unfortunately, as emerged yesterday, we may not witness a race full of overtakes. As soon as the cars go off the racing line, they suddenly lose grip and suffer a drop in performance. All “thanks” to the new asphalt… To think that the surface was completely redone with the aim of facilitating on-track battles. However, this could perhaps help Ferrari to protect their position in the standings from attacks by rivals. The “perhaps” is really big because even if overtaking is difficult, if there is an evident difference in pace between the cars, Aston Martin and Mercedes should unfortunately still not have problems overtaking Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
Regarding graining, the phenomenon should gradually decrease throughout the Miami weekend. The track showed great evolution in just one day. With the track surface becoming more and more rubbered-in, tire management should become easier for the drivers (remember that for the US weekend, Pirelli has nominated Hard C2, Medium C3, and Soft C4). This is one of the few hopes for witnessing a good race from the Prancing Horse drivers.
Leave a Reply