The Ferrari SF-24 is undoubtedly the MVP on the second day of Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, not only due to Carlos Sainz’s fastest time in the afternoon but also considering a significantly improved car. The SF-24 has instilled much confidence in both drivers, thanks to enhanced predictability in terms of behavior. The two Ferrari drivers now handle a car with a much more refined front-end compared to the previous season.
This is evident from the onboard footage, showing a good response during entry and eliminating the tedious understeer that characterized its predecessor. Moreover, the car appeared composed at the mid-corner, even considering the wind at Sakhir, which reached speeds of up to 25 km/h at certain points, allowing it to get on the gas without suffering.
The Red Bull RB20 driven by Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton’s W15, on the other hand, posted the best times in the evening, considering the times with the yellow-striped C3 tires, the softest compound in the Pirelli range. Checo and Lewis capitalized on lower track temperatures, enabling better performance from both the tire compound and the engine.
Ferrari SF-24/Telemetric Analysis S1: Sainz Sacrifices Entry into Turn 4 to Exploit Traction on Exit
Looking at the fast laps of the top three drivers, we see how Sergio Perez’s RB20 efficiently utilizes the DRS, entering Turn 1 with higher speed. Most likely, the former Racing Point driver achieved maximum performance, thanks in part to a more aggressive engine map, noticeable in the straight between Turns 2 and 3.
Source: FUnoanalisitecnica
In Turn 1, Carlos Sainz is the first to brake, although he gathers lower speed compared to his rivals. The Spaniard adopts a different cornering approach, sacrificing entry and anticipating the apex to have a better exit traction provided by the softer tire. In Turn 4, the Ferrari achieves the better minimum speed, while Checo, struggling to hit the apex, recovers in traction.
Ferrari SF-24/Telemetric Analysis S2: Mercedes’ Understeer Results in Oversteer on Exit
Shifting focus to the middle sector, the most technical part of the track, immediately highlights the effectiveness of the aerodynamic load developed by the RB20. With the same tires, the Mexican achieves a superior speed of 13 km/h over Hamilton. The Briton, on his first official day, has not yet found the right feel with his Mercedes. Onboard footage shows a struggling Lewis in managing understeer, requiring continuous steering corrections.
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The future Ferrari driver consistently achieved a lower minimum speed in corners while recovering on straights, thanks to the extra power of his higher-revving power unit. We notice how Sergio Perez manages to maintain 100% throttle in 56% of the middle sector, compared to Lewis Hamilton’s 49.5%, thanks to the more composed RB20 capable of better traction efficiency.
Source: FUnoanalisitecnica
In Turns 8 and 9, the Spanish driver Ferrari demonstrates excellent mechanical grip with the softest tire in the lineup. He achieves better mid-corner speed. The long-speed section from Turn 10 to 11 is approached by drivers in the same way, reaching identical speeds at the beginning and end of the straight.
Ferrari SF-24/Telemetric Analysis T3: SF-24 Good in Corners but Suffers from Traction Overheating
In the final sector, the real challenge lies in navigating Turns 13 and 14. Carlos Sainz achieves better minimum speeds than the counterparts under examination. The Spaniard, who will leave the red team at the end of the season, did well to capitalize on the tire advantage. However, the new kinematics of the front suspension scheme seem to provide ample grip in medium-speed corners with a long period in load. Through footage aboard the red car, it showed significant precision in hitting the apex and composure when Carlos pressed the gas pedal for flat-out acceleration.
Source: FUnoanalisitecnica
Undoubtedly, the area where the SF-24 single-seater can still improve is the corner exit. Telemetry data shows Carlos Sainz reaches 100% throttle later than his rivals on both occasions. Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton can, therefore, carry greater speed onto the straight.
Ferrari SF-24/DRS Analysis: Red Bull on Power, Headwind on the Straight
Finally, let’s examine the use of DRS on the main straight. The Red Bull driver achieves the best speed delta with the open wing, registering a top speed of 320 km/h. This value approaches what Max Verstappen achieved in qualifying last year and demonstrates that car number 11 had a superior engine.
Source: FUnoanalisitecnica
Scuderia Ferrari is paying in this regard compared to the previous championship. The two drivers of the red team completed the fast lap with a still low power unit mode. A similar situation for Lando Norris’s McLaren, who had a gap of 10 km/h in maximum speed compared to the reference recorded in 2023.
Source: Alessandro Arcari and Leonardo Pasqual for FUnoanalisitecnica
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