Former technical director Gary Anderson discusses the key priorities for each F1 team on the 2024 grid, from improving performance and second drivers to aerodynamic choices and managing ride height. They also emphasize the importance of data analysis, learning from mistakes, and having a strong number one driver.
Haas should prioritize improving tire management and consistency.
Alfa Tauri needs to focus on accessing downforce consistently across various ride heights.
Visa Cash App RB (formerly Red Bull 2) should take development direction from their drivers to enhance car performance.
Deep dives
Haas: Improving tire management and consistency
Haas' main priority should be to improve their tire management and consistency. In the past, their car was reasonably quick, but it struggled with tire wear during long runs. They need to determine whether it's an aerodynamic or mechanical issue and find ways to make the car more tire-friendly, especially in races. Haas also needs to focus on their development program and ensure they are open-minded in analyzing results, identifying problems, and finding effective solutions.
Alfa Tauri: Consistency in accessing downforce
The main priority for Alfa Tauri should be improving their ability to access downforce consistently across a wide range of ride heights. While the car showed flashes of performance, it struggled with finding stable downforce at high ride heights and low speeds. They need to fine-tune their suspension and aerodynamic package to ensure that they can effectively utilize their downforce in all types of corners and circuit conditions.
Red Bull 2: Taking development direction from drivers
Red Bull 2, now known as Visa Cash App RB, needs to focus on taking the development direction from their drivers, particularly Daniel Ricciardo, and building the car around their feedback. They have suffered from inconsistent feedback and changing drivers in the past, which has hindered their progress. By establishing a clear development direction based on driver input, they can improve the overall performance of the car and sustain their recent progress.
Williams: Ensuring second car contributes more points
Williams should prioritize getting their second car, driven by Logan Sargeant, to contribute more points in races. Currently, they heavily rely on the performance of their lead driver, Alex Albon, to score points. By improving Sargeant's performance and consistency, Williams can achieve a higher points finish in the Constructors' Championship and reduce their reliance on a single driver.
Ferrari's Priority: Eliminate the Peakiness
Ferrari needs to address the peakiness of their car to improve consistency. They have a fast package, but it becomes difficult to handle during races. Small issues and odd decisions have cost them points in the past, but they are in a competitive position. With better control and a more consistent car, Ferrari aims to eliminate these setbacks and perform consistently.
Mercedes' Priority: Fully Grasp the Regs
Mercedes struggled last year and needs to fully understand and adapt to the new regulations. They lacked communication and unity within the team, resulting in a lack of progress. Specific issues include the ride height and aerodynamic philosophy. They need to regain control and confidently pursue developmental changes. The focus should be on combining their technical expertise with effective communication to achieve consistent performance.
Gary Anderson, co-host of The Race F1 Tech Show and former technical director for the Jordan, Stewart and Jaguar teams, joins Edd Straw and Ben Anderson to pick a key priority for each of the 10 teams on the 2024 F1 grid to address in the coming season.