Sainz observes a distinctive behavior in the 2024 Ferrari during simulator sessions.
Carlos Sainz reveals that Ferrari’s 2024 Formula 1 car is demonstrating distinct behavior in the simulator compared to its predecessor. Despite securing several pole positions in 2023, the SF-23 struggled with unstable rear-end issues affecting race pace. The team adjusted the car’s setup to address understeer, but progress was inconsistent until a floor upgrade in Japan’s later stages.
As the 2024 season approaches, Ferrari is adopting a new design concept aimed at overcoming the previous car’s shortcomings. Sainz is cautiously optimistic based on simulator testing in Maranello, noting a different handling characteristic that raises hope for improved consistency and competitiveness.
However, Sainz emphasizes the need to wait until pre-season testing in Bahrain to assess the car’s true performance under race conditions. The challenge lies in understanding how the car treats tires, manages pace, and performs in terms of race pace with a full fuel load and used tires.
Ferrari aims to create a more balanced 2024 car by relinquishing some strengths of the SF-23, such as straight-line speed, agility in short corners, and handling of kerbs. The focus is on achieving greater consistency to eliminate performance fluctuations that impacted the 2023 season, reflecting the team’s determination to contend for the championship in 2024.
Sainz acknowledges the challenges of Formula 1’s current landscape, where performance variations can be significant. The team’s goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the car at different circuits and corners, working towards a more stable and competitive package.
In the meantime, Ferrari is concentrating on optimizing the 2024 car’s performance in the wind tunnel, with the ultimate test and validation scheduled for the Bahrain Grand Prix in February.
