Within the first free observe session for the tenth spherical of the 2024 Formulation 1 championship, Ferrari needed to work so much on totally different fronts. This time we noticed an SF-24 single-seater with a steadiness nonetheless removed from optimum, whereas we had been used to seeing a Ferrari that was in a position to hit the observe with an nearly excellent setup. To start with, we should specify that the 2 vehicles had totally different aerodynamic configurations in FP1 relating to the ground. Each, nonetheless, mounted the brand new medium-high load rear wing, which must also optimize effectivity.
Carlos Sainz was in a position to make use of the brand new ground specification, modified within the preliminary portion and with a number of updates within the diffuser quantity. We must always maintain this side in thoughts because the variations had been noticeable not solely when it comes to lap instances. Charles Leclerc, as quickly as he hit the asphalt of the 4.657-kilometre Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with the Exhausting tires, suffered a number of issues with the rear. The rear finish was too mild in lots of factors of the observe, particularly from mid-corner onwards. On the exhausting tire, the Monegasque did extra laps to attempt to make the bottom setup work, various the settings of a number of switches.
Ferrari labored on the entry differential, a parameter able to correcting stability if set appropriately. Moreover, the incidence of the entrance wing was diversified, initially with “+ 2 clicks” after which lowered by one stage. Nevertheless, all these adjustments didn’t make a big distinction, and Charles Leclerc needed to return to the pits to alter the setup of his SF-24. The technicians primarily labored on the rear, attempting to maneuver the steadiness backward and supply extra grip to the second axle tires.
Carlos Sainz additionally suffered a sure diploma of oversteer, however he managed to comprise it extra, a lot in order that he reported on the radio that the steadiness was shifting extra in direction of understeer. For the second free observe session, Ferrari performed additional setup research, and the state of affairs improved significantly. Nevertheless, there have been variations in stability between the 2 vehicles. Even with the pink tire, we observed some rear instability for the Monegasque driver. Carlos Sainz, alternatively, appeared extra balanced in each circumstance, based on the onboard footage.
It was not a really easy and completely optimistic day for Crimson Bull both. The Austrian group additionally suffered from oversteer in the midst of the nook, a attribute additionally as a result of situations of the Catalan observe. Every group tried to comprise this conduct of their automobile in their very own approach, with various levels of success. Between the primary and second free observe classes, the Milton Keynes group labored on the entrance finish, as occurred on the Imola circuit, with the intention, not directly, of shifting the steadiness in direction of the rear, as Ferrari did.
It’s no coincidence that the aerodynamic configuration mounted on the RB20 encompasses a rear wing that’s comparatively extra loaded than direct rivals. Analyzing a comparability of the Crimson Bull specification with the brand new rear wing of the Ferrari SF-24, we will observe how the vanguard is extra pronounced and, normally, has a bigger frontal space.
Crimson Bull has been experiencing some steadiness issues between the entrance and rear, particularly within the final month, between entry and cornering. Nevertheless, ultimately, the knowledgeable technicians of the Formulation 1 world champion group all the time handle to discover a compromise. Typically, the RB20 single-seater tends to hold much less velocity between the doorway and the apex, with entrance finish. however at sure speeds, it doesn’t have the identical stability because the SF-24. Then, on the exit, they don’t have main issues, however on entry, the load switch places the rear in issue. They need to discover dealing with that’s extra understeer-oriented within the method to the apex.
Related issues had been additionally skilled by McLaren within the first free observe session. The Woking group, nonetheless, confirmed a really aggressive automobile. Lando Norris complained of oversteer within the medium-speed corners, the place an F1 automobile must discover a good aero-mechanical compromise. That is the worst situation, as it’s the most unstable. In nook entry, you wish to have a sure diploma of understeer to generate stability. The state of affairs, nonetheless, improved within the second observe.
On the straights, Crimson Bull nonetheless dominates, even with a extremely loaded wing, due to excessive effectivity permitting for prime finish of straight velocity values. In braking, as anticipated, the SF-24 is all the time the perfect. This makes the all-red Formulation 1 automobile very secure within the entry phases. The 2 Ferrari drivers method the primary chicane otherwise, because of their distinct driving types. Balancing the efficiency on the observe, the efficiency ranges out fairly nicely, sustaining the gaps they’d as much as the primary braking level. The Ferrari SF-24 vehicles achieve over a tenth from the center of flip 3 to the tip of the primary sector.
On this part of the Montmelò observe, the Prancing Horse vehicles can produce a number of downforce, precisely as anticipated. The SF-24 may be very efficient in huge radius and supportive corners. In flip 4, Ferrari continues to dominate and is efficient all through the exit section. On this space, Carlos Sainz makes a distinction over his Maranello teammate, who struggles with some instability in the midst of the nook, seen by a steering wheel barely pressured to open the racing line.
On the braking of flip 5, Ferrari is once more the perfect, however we have to be cautious. It was mentioned so much on the radio: the drivers are likely to rely an excessive amount of on the solidity of the entrance finish and convey an excessive amount of velocity in direction of the apex of the nook. Right here Crimson Bull loses so much from the exit to the following chicane. In these meters, Max Verstappen loses virtually the whole lot. In flip 9, Ferrari has comparable dealing with to the RB20 automobile. In quick corners like this one, it’s essential to hold a number of velocity in the midst of the nook with out worrying an excessive amount of in regards to the exit, letting the automobile “run.”
The very best on this part is Mercedes, which has 5 kilometers per hour greater than Ferrari and is kilometers per hour quicker in comparison with Crimson Bull and McLaren. We then arrive at flip 10, an enormous braking level that has put everybody in critical issue. Discovering an acceptable line is just not straightforward in any respect. After braking, in acceleration, it’s important to assault the curb of flip 11 to widen the entry racing line in direction of flip 12. At this level, Crimson Bull loses a tenth, whereas different F1 vehicles are likely to the identical instances. Mercedes requires so much on the entrance however then loses on the exit. The totally different methods, nonetheless, as talked about, are roughly equal.
The technique at flip 10 issues for the passage by turns 11-12, the place the perfect automobile is McLaren. Crimson Bull has good potential within the exit section of flip 12, the place it has extra understeer that tends to straighten the automobile. At this level, Ferrari loses to Mercedes and now not recovers within the closing sector. It’s an issue associated to tire temperatures, however as understood, there was little to be accomplished. It’s a headache for everybody and likewise entails decisions on how you can construct the qualifying lap. The essential factor is to not produce extreme sliding that’s dangerous to tire administration within the race.
In conclusion, we will say that the brand new ground and rear wing mounted on Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari labored correctly, offering the specified surplus of stability at medium-low speeds. Moreover, the rear wing appears to work nicely because it offers good downforce and a bit extra effectivity. On the first braking level, Ferrari arrives at 324 kilometers per hour, whereas Crimson Bull at 327 kilometers per hour, making a destructive hole of three kilometers per hour for the pink automobile. Nevertheless, the SF-24 was the second strongest on the straights, as McLaren didn’t exceed a most velocity of 320.9 kilometers per hour. On the braking level of flip 10, the hole reduces to only one kilometer per hour.
Supply: FUnoanalisitecnica
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