Scuderia Ferrari is taking Method 1 very critically, whereas Lewis Hamilton and the Monegasque Charles Leclerc are in nice type and able to assist the crew on the monitor through the TCP assessments on the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Many imagine that any such monitor testing can’t present fascinating insights, however you will need to perceive that it isn’t only a easy shakedown. Quite the opposite, there are lots of fascinating technical features. In latest days, we mentioned them in varied articles, with a few essential references relating to the braking system and the ability unit developed by Lewis Hamilton.
Concerning the brakes, the Briton made his first method with Brembo’s system, as he beforehand used Carbon Industries for braking phases with Mercedes. It’s value highlighting the extremely constructive suggestions from the seven-time Method 1 world champion, who discovered Brembo’s merchandise to go well with him very properly. That is notable contemplating the braking points he confronted through the 2024 qualifying season, the place he struggled to be aggressive. Andrew Shovlin had beforehand defined the explanations for this. One other issue to not be underestimated is the 066/12 energy unit.
The engine examined by Lewis Hamilton at Fiorano on the SF-23 is the one he’ll use within the subsequent championship. It’s a energy unit completely different from the German one. Technically, it lacks the cut up turbo, with the turbine and compressor positioned farther aside. As a substitute, the Ferrari design integrates the MGU-H and the turbo inside the “V” fashioned by the engine’s cylinder banks. Past this issue, the variations between the inner combustion engine and the hybrid system are important when in comparison with the Mercedes answer.
Lewis Hamilton has subsequently labored on refining his so-called “handbook reminiscence,” which helps him use the steering wheel and its varied controls rapidly and with out trying whereas driving. This studying section additionally happens via the simulator, after all, however on-track testing, as a result of its nature, is way extra demanding. Over the approaching days at Montmelo, these research will proceed for the seven-time Method 1 world champion, nonetheless utilizing the 2023 automotive. Nonetheless, this time, the hours devoted to enhancing his know-how shall be larger and extra targeted on particular parameters.
There are extra fascinating concerns relating to probably noteworthy particulars. Important measures can present a substantial amount of worthwhile suggestions, notably for somebody like Lewis Hamilton, who’s new to driving a Ferrari. This particularly issues the overall setup of the automotive. It’s no secret that each Method 1 crew, when returning to the identical monitor after a yr, even with a brand new automotive, begins by assessing the setup references saved beforehand. On this case, returning to Barcelona with the Ferrari SF-23, a yr and a half after the Italian crew’s poor efficiency there, shall be extremely helpful.
The competitiveness of the automotive alone doesn’t make the distinction in Method 1, some extent that ought to be very clear to those that consider the game. Past the worth of the automotive itself, the sheer capacity of the engineers to fine-tune it’s essential. That is exactly the realm Ferrari will deal with, later evaluating the information collected with that from 2024. One other scorching matter associated to this issue issues tires. Tires are the one level of contact with the reference aircraft, and never realizing learn how to use them correctly “ruins” efficiency. Ferrari has numerous examples of this.
On this case as properly, aero-mechanical settings play a key position. Method 1 is pure expertise, which is why each single lap, even on an older automotive, can present extremely worthwhile particulars. Though the 2025 tires characteristic a brand new development theoretically much less delicate to overheating, enhancing tire administration shall be essential in adapting to the brand new ones. The division devoted to car dynamics is in full swing, with important and intense efforts underway, additionally because of the assist of Loic Serra.
The Frenchman, initially from Nancy, has set new work targets, a few of which shall be examined over the approaching days. This refers back to the knowledge assortment methodology that shall be carried out. This is a crucial train, as having the ability to learn the collected data higher than others makes a distinction in interpretation. Certainly one of Mercedes‘ strengths throughout its dominant period in tire administration lay exactly on this: the crew’s talent in evaluating all parameters associated to the tires. Ferrari is refining this method, partly initiated within the 2024 Method 1 season, satisfied it can deliver substantial advantages.
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