Ferrari: Will '95 per cent new' F1 car be good enough?
Feb 13, 2024
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The podcast discusses Ferrari's new car launch, their priorities in improving drivability, and the lack of major changes to the SF24. They also explore Ferrari's silent approach to Lewis Hamilton rumors and the impact of distractions on Ferrari's performance in the upcoming season.
Ferrari's new SF24 car aims to address rear instability and improve drivability, setting the foundation for future success and championship contention in 2026.
Efficiency, operational excellence, and steady progress are key for Ferrari with the SF24 car, as they prioritize extracting maximum performance without drastic gains in lap time.
Ferrari's decision to stick with a pull rod rear suspension configuration makes them an outlier compared to other teams, raising concerns about potential missed gains and performance impact.
Deep dives
Ferrari SF24 car prioritizes drivability and consistency
Ferrari's new SF24 car focuses on improving drivability and consistency over race distances. They aim to address the rear instability that hindered their performance in previous seasons. The new car is designed to be more stable, allowing drivers to tap into its potential consistently. Ferrari hopes that the improvements in performance and reliability will enable them to challenge Red Bull in the future, potentially setting up a championship challenge in 2026. However, there are concerns about Ferrari's decision to stick with a pull rod rear suspension configuration, which makes them an outlier compared to other teams.
Ferrari's strategy highlights efficiency and building a foundation
Ferrari's approach with the SF24 car centers around building a foundation for future success rather than immediate championship contention. Team principal Fred Vasseur emphasizes the need for operational excellence, consistency, and maximizing every race and season. The team aims to prove that they can extract the best performance from the car without chasing drastic gains in lap time. With the arrival of Lewis Hamilton and other key technical hires, Ferrari looks to become a championship contender in 2026. While the car is seen as a step forward, it is viewed more as a holding pattern for Ferrari, emphasizing efficiency and steady progress.
Ferrari cautious but optimistic about SF24 performance
Ferrari acknowledges the challenges they face with the SF24 car, especially in catching up to Red Bull. The team understands that their car needs to improve in terms of stability, tire management, and straight-line speed. While Ferrari works on refining various aspects, they are not fully convinced about making significant concept changes. The team intends to focus on developing a better overall package and extracting maximum performance from their existing design. They are cautious yet optimistic about their chances and believe in the potential of the SF24 car to compete at a high level.
Questions and uncertainties surrounding Ferrari's rear suspension choice
Ferrari's decision to stick with a pull rod rear suspension configuration stands out among other teams opting for push rod suspensions. While Ferrari defends their choice, citing reasons such as aerodynamic benefits and efficiency, it raises concerns whether they might be missing out on potential gains achieved through alternative configurations. Some experts question whether Ferrari's suspension choice aligns with the trends and advantages observed in the field. The unique suspension configuration creates uncertainty about its overall impact on performance and whether it can adequately compete against rival teams.
Ferrari downplays Lewis Hamilton joining speculation
Ferrari downplays questions about Lewis Hamilton's future with the team, limiting discussions during the car launch. They aim to prevent distractions and keep the focus on the 2024 season. While acknowledging the significance of Lewis Hamilton's signing, Ferrari remains tight-lipped and prefers to discuss the present rather than dwell on future driver lineups. The team aims to create a stable environment and maintain full concentration on maximizing the SF24 car's performance in the upcoming season.
Scott Mitchell-Malm and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw for a chat on all things Ferrari, after the Italian team opted for a low-key launch of its new car, the SF-24. They discuss how the Scuderia are shaping up for this season, the potentially worrying aspect of its new car that leaves Ferrari as a clear outlier compared to its main rivals, and how much the shadow of 2025 signing Lewis Hamilton hung over launch proceedings. We also hear from former F1 technical director Gary Anderson, who provides an assessment of all the major changes Ferrari have introduced to its machine this year, and how big an impact they’re likely to have on bringing it closer to Red Bull in 2024.
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