Ferrari Admits Need to “Broaden the Scope” of 2024 Formula 1 Car to Ensure Competitiveness Across All Circuits
Ferrari has conceded that it needs to “open our eyes a bit” and endeavour to “broaden the scope” of its 2024 Formula 1 car to ensure that it is competitive across all circuits. This admission comes on the heels of the Italian marque’s struggles in Canada, where its revamped SF-24 car failed to generate temperature in the rubber, leading to both cars exiting in Q2 and a double retirement.
Ferrari Struggles on Damp and Cold Tracks
Ferrari Senior Performance Engineer Jock Clear acknowledged that the slump came as a surprise until it drew comparisons to its struggles in China with similar temperatures. “Montreal was tough. We did not go there suspecting that we would have any issues and we were really scratching our heads at times,” he said last weekend in Spain. “We thought we were quite competitive on Friday, we looked quite competitive on Inters and when it dried up for qualifying, we really did not have any performance.“
Clear attributed the underlying performance issues to Ferrari’s struggles on damp and cold tracks. “When the track is moist or a little bit damp and cold, we are relatively worse off than others. And of course, it is that relatively worse off than others that makes all the difference,” he explained. “In our simulations, we do not have the ability to look at a damp track. You can only compare yourself to others.“
Ferrari’s Update Package Fails to Deliver
In an effort to rectify the issue, Ferrari fast-tracked a sizeable update package to Barcelona, but the team once again lagged behind its main rivals. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz locked out the third row and couldn’t make up ground in the race with one Red Bull, one McLaren, and both Mercedes drivers ahead.
Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur attributed its woes to circuit characteristics and claimed that track position was imperative in deciding the overall race result. The Maranello-based squad has cured its degradation issues at the expense of troubles over one lap, and Clear has professed that the team hasn’t nailed the compromise.
“When the track is moist or a little bit damp and cold, we are relatively worse off than others. And of course, it is that relatively worse off than others that makes all the difference.”
Ferrari’s Focus on Balancing One-Lap Pace and Circuit Competitiveness
As the Formula 1 calendar moves forward, Ferrari’s focus will be on finding a balance between its one-lap pace and its ability to compete on various circuits. With the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes pushing the limits of Formula 1 today, Ferrari will need to “broaden the scope” of its car to remain competitive. The Italian marque’s next challenge will be to adapt to the changing tracks and tyre conditions, leveraging its expertise in Formula 1 tyres to get back on top.
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