Scuderia Ferrari is going all-in, or at least trying to. Despite keeping a low profile in terms of communication about the updates, the engineers in Maranello hope that the changes made to the car are at least effective. Aerodynamic modifications that, at least on paper, should provide better flow management. The goal is clear: widen the setup window, reduce the gap between qualifying and the race, and demonstrate superior race pace.
Only the track will give us concrete answers, placing the “new” SF-23 in terms of competitiveness within the grid. In the meantime, we took a look at the unprecedented single-pillar rear wing. This configuration features a significantly slimmer main plane to reduce drag, the number one enemy for the red car when compared to the RB19.
Leaving aside the technical matters that we will delve into throughout the day, during the first practice session, data collection will be extensive. Studying and understanding the behavior of the Italian car and then processing the gathered information. Montmeló has always proven to be an impressive testing ground, a perfect scenario to judge the quality of the work done.
F1/Spanish GP 2023: Ferrari SF-23, live on-board Fp1, as reported by F1 expert Alessandro Arcari for FUnoanalisitecnica
The weather conditions today are good. Little wind and sunny skies. The temperatures are quite high, and everything suggests that it won’t change. The moment to get serious is approaching. There doesn’t seem to be any particular apprehension in the red team’s garage. Everything is proceeding as planned. The usual checks are underway: power unit, transmission, hybrid system, and braking system.
For the first outing on the track, we will only see the new car in the hands of Carlos Sainz. The intention is to differentiate the specifications to make the comparison as effective as possible. In the afternoon, we will analyze the SF-23 from a technical standpoint, highlighting all the proposed updates on the red car. The Ferrari drivers get into their cars.
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Weather update: 25.1°C air temperature, 42.2°C track temperature. Humidity at 50%, wind intensity at 0.8 km/h blowing from the south. For the first run, both SF-23 cars are fitted with brand-new Hard compound tires. The usual recommendations are given to the drivers.
For this first run, the Maranello drivers will use a set of test Pirelli tires. An important warm-up is underway. The internal combustion engine is set to mapping 5, the one used in races. The new aerodynamic configuration seems to be working quite well, although Carlos Sainz had to correct the car more than once in turn 3. Understeer in the middle of the corner, which didn’t reappear in subsequent laps.
Meanwhile, two laps later, Charles asks for and receives a change in front load: “plus 10.” Adami requests a maximum power lap on the internal combustion engine: Engine 1 for Carlos. The number 16 car also “wags” a bit too much in T3. Like his teammate, engine revs increase for a power unit test.
Silence for now. There are no comments on the balance. We can say that car number 55 seems to have a correct baseline setup. The Spaniard has not requested any changes so far. There is still some difficulty in hitting the apex in T2, but nothing that can’t be corrected. Both drivers have done several tests with DRS closed. It is crucial to understand how drag affects lap times.
Charles Leclerc is called back to the pits, and at the same time, he is asked if he wants a setup change. The same goes for the Spaniard, who chooses more front load for the next run. Charles switches to Medium tires and sets off, just like the Monegasque. They switch to Soc 2 mode to get more power from the hybrid system. Now we will see how the red cars behave with the official Pirelli tires.
After the first run, we notice that car number 16 is not entirely composed. Carlos also experienced some handling issues. Adami asks for more attention in the entry of turns 9 and 14, areas of the track where performance was not optimal. Marcos also makes a correction: “easy to turn 1 and 10” to have better traction on exit. It means sacrificing some sections to have a better line later. Carlos Sainz is praised for his drivability.
The search for lap times is absent for Ferrari. Maximum focus on finding the right setup. The second run also ends. A short break, and Charles sets off for one last lap where he improves in attitude in T1. The other “Carlos” prefers to study the telemetry before returning to the track. Meanwhile, the usual physiological pit stop is made for the Monegasque.
Carlos Sainz returns to the track with a set of new Soft tires, brake balance for turn 2 and 10 as suggested by Adami. Charles also leaves the pit lane with the same tires. A very cautious warm-up for the Madrid driver, who now launches himself. It’s Charles Leclerc’s turn, switching to push mode. The feedback with the red tires from the Spaniard is positive. He complains about slight understeer in T3, which can be corrected with the setup. After completing a cool-down lap, they proceed with another attempt before moving on to high-fuel tests.
Charles Leclerc doesn’t make any particular comments about his performance, only complaining that he found the tires a bit “strange.” He also heads to the box. The Ferrari mechanics are refueling the two SF-23 cars, preparing for high-fuel tests that will come shortly. Engines on, they return to the track. Carlos Sainz uses scrubbed Soft tires, while the Monegasque uses scrubbed Mediums.
In high-fuel configuration, car number 55 shows good balance. The same can be said for the other Ferrari. It remains to be verified the “extent of the benefits” of the updates, although, according to the feedback from the Spaniard, combined with what FUnoanalisitecnica have seen through the on-board footage, the handling of the updated car seemed better. We await FP2 for more conclusive results.
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