Ferrari confirmed two faces throughout Friday follow in Spain. After encouraging indicators in FP1, some experimental setup modifications and decrease observe temperatures created difficulties for the drivers in managing tyre temperatures. Each Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc struggled at mid-corner, shedding out throughout traction phases. A number of complaints had been heard over the radio, regardless of varied changes made to outline the automobile’s setup window.
Taking a look at future information, Charles Leclerc was on common six tenths slower than Max Verstappen. The Monegasque couldn’t discover the precise feeling with the tyres used initially of the session. That’s the reason, after simply 4 laps, he switched to the red-banded Pirellis. The softer compound had already delivered optimistic sensations throughout FP1 lengthy runs and appears to swimsuit the Ferrari higher.
Simone Berra, head of the Italian tyre provider’s engineers, acknowledged that put on charges between Medium and Gentle compounds are nearly the identical. Nevertheless, the SF-25 didn’t have the best setup, scuffling with steadiness and, consequently, failing to extract optimum grip from the compounds. It was simpler with the C3, the place that additional grip was discovered. Hamilton ran a barely longer stint on the Mediums.
The Brit began with greater lap occasions than his Maranello teammate, trying to enhance because the laps went on. However even this technique didn’t work significantly effectively. Lewis Hamilton ended his stint with common occasions just like Charles Leclerc’s, unsurprisingly. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris had been the quickest with totally different compounds. The world champion requested a number of modifications, together with entrance trip peak and rear springs.
This transfer already improved dealing with by the tip of the primary session. Within the second, the Dutchman took to the observe with a well-balanced automobile that required no additional modifications. The RB21’s setup presently appears extra geared towards race efficiency than qualifying, displaying higher tyre administration general.
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris examined two totally different compounds, with the previous on Mediums and the latter on Softs. Like Ferrari, the Woking automobile performs higher on Softs. Lando Norris was seven tenths sooner than his teammate and managed efficiency drop-off significantly better. After the fourth lap, Oscar Piastri’s lap occasions started to rise by over 0.15s per lap, whereas Lando was nonetheless in a position to trim his lap time.
Tyre administration was additionally difficult for the Mercedes drivers. Each accomplished greater than 10 laps on Softs, displaying quick issues with rear tyre temperature administration. Kimi Antonelli skilled a extra gradual efficiency drop in comparison with his teammate, who suffered from “early graining.”
This difficulty arises when a compound is used too aggressively whereas nonetheless chilly. The tread particles in touch with the asphalt vitrify, and solely after a number of laps and a few tyre put on does efficiency return, as was the case for the British driver.
Lastly, the FP1 telemetry information illustrates this. Within the first session, the Ferrari drivers confirmed an excellent tempo throughout a comparatively lengthy stint. If we exclude Max Verstappen—who ran a shorter stint, Charles Leclerc had discovered glorious automobile steadiness. The Monegasque didn’t complain about grip or tyre temperature administration over the radio, in contrast to in FP2.
Furthermore, the degradation chart reveals how effectively Charles Leclerc managed efficiency drop-off on the Softs. Ferrari will now must reconcile the setups utilized in each classes and establish the foundation of the efficiency hole on the Medium tyres. The Ferrari engineers made vital modifications between the 2 classes to a automobile that had beforehand been effectively balanced, choosing a setup that was too stiff.
This possible benefited aerodynamic effectivity by way of medium-speed corners however elevated tyre slip throughout traction phases, elevating temperatures. In a single day simulator work will probably be important to discover a convergence level and supply the drivers with a extra drivable automobile. Solely on this means will they have the ability to extract efficiency in each qualifying and the race.
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