Ferrari approaches Yas Marina within the worst attainable approach. Spherical 24 of the 2024 Formulation 1 season sees Charles Leclerc sadly dealing with a hefty penalty. This refers back to the ten-place grid penalty issued by the FIA, because the mechanics of the historic Maranello crew have been pressured to interchange the battery pack on automotive quantity 16 in any case obligatory checks. A big blow, because the Prancing Horse is battling McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship. Already a difficult activity, this case considerably reduces the probabilities of turning issues round.
This morning, Arthur Leclerc additionally took to the monitor. The Monegasque accomplished a clear session with out errors, working effectively below Riccardo Adami’s steerage. His older brother ran for lower than half an hour because of the aforementioned Vitality Retailer situation. In that brief time, the SF-24 carried out decently, displaying good baseline steadiness, although some points definitely wanted to be addressed.
Now let’s additionally take a look at how occasions unfolded for the 2 Ferrari drivers within the second free apply session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 2 Ferraris hit the monitor and for this preliminary run, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz used a set of Pirelli yellow-banded tires.
The setup validation continues to hunt fine-tuning and maximize the automobiles’ efficiency. After activating the tires, they proceed with a reconnaissance lap because the sundown progressively offers approach to night time. A single cooldown lap follows, then the swap to Engine Mode 1 for optimum energy on the interior combustion engine. Between the 2 drivers, the Spaniard interprets the monitor higher with a extra delicate strategy. The monitor engineers present all obligatory strategies to enhance dealing with and handle the automotive.
After two cooling laps for the tires, they go full throttle once more. Carlos Sainz is pressured to abort as a consequence of heavy visitors, and so is his teammate. Because of this, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz make one other try on the subsequent lap. The Monegasque improves, however the Spaniard doesn’t. Charles Leclerc is especially sturdy in Sector 1, the place Flip 5 seems higher managed by way of load switch. The work program continues to push the automotive’s limits. Charles pushes a bit too arduous and expresses concern in regards to the flooring after hitting the curbs too aggressively, requesting a car examine.
The primary stint ends with each Ferraris trailing the McLarens of Norris and Piastri, who maintain fourth place. Summarizing the state of affairs, the rotation situation stays, although partially minimized in comparison with the morning’s run on the identical tires. A constructive be aware is the traction exiting Turns 5 and seven. Nonetheless, the drivability of the SF-24 on the apex of a number of corners nonetheless wants enchancment, because the racing line tends to widen, forcing the automobiles to cowl further distance. Directional adjustments additionally require larger agility.
Within the second a part of the qualifying simulation, the swap is made to Pirelli tires with crimson sidewalls. Each Ferrari automobiles intention to finish the nice and cozy up course of as successfully as attainable to make sure optimum tire deformation and obtain most grip. This section is rigorously managed, and so they proceed. Carlos Sainz goes out first however encounters some visitors that prices him time. Charles Leclerc faces the identical situation. General, grip ranges didn’t appear optimum. Two laps to chill the tires are adopted by one other push try.
Fortuitously, Charles’ automotive has no injury to the ground. In the course of the cooldown lap, Sainz stops within the pits for a tweak to the front-end load, whereas Leclerc opts to take care of the identical downforce configuration. Within the subsequent laps, the Ferraris make changes as wanted. Though the steadiness is sweet, exact dealing with is required to ship sturdy efficiency, which isn’t but on the desired stage. The Ferraris return to the storage, awaiting their last run of the day. It appears suspension changes will likely be made to enhance efficiency.
Discussing this run, the tires struggled to achieve their goal temperature. Nonetheless, as soon as activated, the lead to Flip 5 was considerably higher, hitting the apex with out affected by oversteer on exit. Further work seems obligatory for nook preparation, as demanding an excessive amount of from the entrance finish on this monitor is proving uncompetitive. Within the last a part of qualifying, round quarter-hour, the 2 Ferraris returned to the monitor on Medium tires for a race tempo simulation.
With a excessive gas load, the Ferrari automobiles exhibit fewer drivability points. Partly as a consequence of diminished cornering speeds, the SF-24 turns into extra manageable, permitting the drivers to focus extra on their tempo. Evaluating to McLaren at this stage will not be easy. Nonetheless, the 2 MCL38s appear extra aggressive, although the gas masses on every automotive stay unknown. Lastly, a number of observations on what now we have seen.
On single-lap efficiency, Ferrari has untapped potential. Advantageous-tuning is required, although. Relating to race tempo, changes to the setup appear essential to optimize efficiency, which remains to be not at McLaren’s stage. The same old simulator work in a single day will likely be essential for Ferrari, as it should assist implement the adjustments wanted to extract most efficiency, which to date stays unrealized throughout at present’s two periods within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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