The Ferrari SF-24: A Step Forward in Formula 1
When it comes to racing, every fraction of a second counts. The Ferrari SF-24 emerges onto the Formula 1 scene with a solid foundation, although it’s yet to outpace Verstappen and his Red Bull machine. Nevertheless, significant strides have been made compared to its predecessor, the inconsistent SF-23.
Carlos Sainz’s performance in the first race showcased a marked improvement of four tenths relative to Red Bull compared to the same time last year. This comparison holds weight as Verstappen piloted the car in both races, offering a clear benchmark. Charles Leclerc’s podium finish in Jeddah further underlined this gap.
As the 2024 season kicks off, Ferrari positions itself as the second-fastest team on the grid. The Scuderia’s performance has revealed both strengths and areas needing refinement.
In the Bahrain Grand Prix, Leclerc encountered a wheel corner problem that hindered his performance. At its peak, this brake issue cost him six tenths per lap.
There’s a sense that there’s untapped potential in the Ferrari, especially evident in the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Ferrari believed there was an opportunity to apply more pressure on Perez, a target within reach according to the team’s technicians.
Looking ahead, Ferrari plans to introduce small updates in Suzuka, followed by a significant revamp in Imola. Referring to the current Maranello car as a “1.0” version isn’t just a turn of phrase—it accurately reflects the significant improvements made over its predecessor.
Feedback from drivers Leclerc, Sainz, and Bearman underscores the strides made over the winter to address the limitations of the previous model. While the SF-24’s conventional appearance may not have generated much buzz in pre-season, positive wind tunnel results since the early stages of development have laid a solid foundation for Ferrari to build upon confidently in 2024.
As expected, Red Bull continues to push the envelope with further refinements to their concept. While other competitors have also made improvements, Ferrari stands out for its meaningful progress this season.
“We’re already seeing some promising developments,” remarked Vasseur following the Jeddah race. Indeed, there’s already an “EVO version” of the SF-24 in the wind tunnel, showcasing advancements beyond the current 1.0 iteration.
Expectations are set for minor upgrades slated for April, with a more significant aerodynamic overhaul anticipated in May. Barring any unforeseen delays or advancements, these updates are earmarked for introduction at Imola.
The forthcoming transformation at Imola will feature revamped sidepods and an updated floor, with the aim of building upon the strong foundation established over the winter.
The primary objective of the SF-24, enabling it to operate under higher loads, has largely been accomplished. However, significant efforts are ongoing to maintain and enhance the strengths identified for the 2024 season.
Addressing cooling concerns, Ferrari plans to narrow its radiator openings, taking cues from Red Bull’s approach, notably seen in Hungary’s 2023 update of the RB19. Many teams, including Aston Martin, have embraced similar philosophies regarding cooling inputs.
Insider sources from Formu1a.uno indicate Ferrari’s intention to follow this development path closely. This includes adopting larger breaches and aggressive inlets, among the initial developments planned for the SF-24.
Technically, the early stages of the season have validated engineers’ confidence in managing cooling systems, even with more aggressive airbox designs. This contrasts with the challenges faced by teams like Haas and Sauber last year, providing Ferrari with the opportunity to push performance boundaries in the wind tunnel without encountering cooling-related setbacks.
