Instead of focusing solely on closing the performance gap with the Red Bull RB19 car, which has been clear in all conditions during the first five rounds of the 2023 Formula 1 campaign, Scuderia Ferrari has been striving to understand why it performs well in the qualifying session but struggles on Sunday in terms of race pace.
Finding a clear solution is not a straightforward task like Mercedes, who became aware that their basic concept was flawed and needed a complete change in direction. As a result, Ferrari has only made a few minor updates during the early part of the championship. However, these revisions provide some interesting insight into their priorities, as explained by Motorsport.
While the Maranello team has been developing a new rear suspension for the SF-23 single-seater, that is set to debut at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona in the Spanish Grand Prix, the Italian side also introduced a redesigned floor and diffuser during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, incorporating numerous changes throughout the assembly.
The leading-edge geometry of the SF-23 floor underwent several modifications, discarding the steeper angle in the outer section in favor of a shallower drop-off where it meets the outer fence. As a result, the downward ramp section of the floor exhibited a more prominent bulge behind the fence. Additionally, the shape and height of the trailing edge of the floor fence ahead of it were adjusted accordingly.
These modifications in terms of curvature not only affect the airflow’s behavior on the upper surface but also impact the available space beneath the floor. It is likely that the shape of the floor fences was optimized to further enhance the desired effects.
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In response to these alterations, adjustments were made to the various surface contours along the floor’s edge.
The scroll section, cutouts, and the portion tapering towards the rear tire were all carefully reprofiled to capitalize on the preceding changes while considering the challenges associated with tire squirt.
Interestingly, unlike some of its competitors who have made significant changes to the external edge wing design, reminiscent of Scuderia Ferrari’s early design last season, the Italian side has chosen to stick with their current approach.
The Maranello team has made the decision to continue with the design choices made during the 2022 Formula 1 championship, making necessary adaptations to comply with the regulation changes for this year. It seems that Ferrari prioritizes a more stable and consistent platform over one solely focused on maximizing peak performance, opting for a more balanced approach.
Thoroughly analyzing the modifications to the SF-23 floor and diffuser, it is evident that the Maranello team’s focus is on enhancing the 2023 Formula 1 car’s overall balance and providing Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz with improved aerodynamic stability across various types of corners.
To capitalize on the floor changes, the Maranello technicians have also made subtle adjustments to the diffuser. The central boat tail section was reshaped, extending the keel rearwards, similar to an update introduced by the Scuderia in the previous campaign. While there are visible changes throughout the car, one area of interest remains concealed: the underfloor.
This means that we do not have the possibility to determine if any modifications have been made to the underfloor, given the magnitude of the other alterations. Nonetheless, it would be reasonable to assume that Ferrari has made optimizations in this area as well.
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