Through the lunch break on the primary day of pre-season testing on the Bahrain circuit, the Ferrari technicians and engineers carried out an preliminary evaluation with a transparent perspective. In Formulation 1, the power to match knowledge is all the time essential, particularly after gathering a lot essential and helpful data. The Italian staff carried out a relatively in depth morning session with Lewis Hamilton. In accordance with what has been reported by numerous Italian information media shops, the aim with the Briton was to hold out a particular process: testing extra aggressive setups, as Charles Leclerc had carried out final week throughout the shakedown on the Fiorano circuit. It was essential to obtain suggestions on this facet from the seven-time world champion as nicely.
Within the afternoon session, Ferrari’s in-house skilled took to the monitor. We consult with the Monegasque driver, who’s about to enter his seventh Formulation 1 season with the Maranello staff. It was as much as him to evaluate the qualities of the Ferrari with out the restrictions that the staff needed to “endure” throughout the Fiorano shakedown, because it was solely a filming day. The comparisons with the previous Mercedes driver are essential as a result of they assist exactly decide the setup vary and tire efficiency whereas additionally working to outline the SF-25 automotive’s aerodynamic map.
Charles Leclerc additionally mounted a big aerodynamic rake. In his case, nevertheless, the construction was positioned on the rear of the automotive, proper subsequent to the tires. It is a setup with numerous Pitot tubes that measure static and dynamic strain. The thought was to scan the whole vertical space and map the strain discipline, then evaluate the collected knowledge with CFD outcomes. This check confirms the modifications to the ground that we had anticipated throughout the automotive’s presentation.
The seen portion of the ground is just like the experimental Las Vegas specification, however the actual modifications are within the hidden space, the place the Venturi channels are situated. The identical applies to the keel space. To make the system work optimally, the run was carried out at particular speeds and in sure elements of the monitor to make sure that the mapping was not distorted by different disruptive variables. As soon as this check was accomplished, the automotive was introduced into the storage to take away the aero rakes. In Charles Leclerc’s palms, the Ferrari instantly appeared extra responsive. Let’s take a step again to know why.
Within the last a part of the primary session, drivability improved with Lewis Hamilton. Due to the data gathered at Fiorano, as talked about, we all know that Charles Leclerc had examined the SF-25 with extra excessive setups. Conversely, Lewis Hamilton’s setup was way more impartial. That’s why the Briton additionally carried out this sort of work this morning, to offer additional insights for the staff. There’s a “match” between the automotive’s habits at Fiorano with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s run this morning. In each instances, in sure corners, understeer changed into extreme rotation.
Let’s return to Charles Leclerc’s third run, after a fast stint to examine all of the automotive’s functionalities. The Ferrari driver hits the monitor on C3 tires. Observing the footage, it’s instantly clear that the SF-25 is a distant relative of the automotive pushed by Lewis Hamilton. Initially, within the third sector, the driving was not but excellent, with the SF-25 pressured to partially raise off the throttle. The identical occurred in the midst of the snake part, the place Charles Leclerc lifted at Flip 6. His confidence with the automotive then progressively elevated, additionally because of a setup adjustment.
Let’s analyze the Monegasque’s quick lap, ranging from the idea that traction has improved primarily based on the motive force’s suggestions. Barely huge at Flip 1, automotive quantity 16 has a great exit section. At Flip 4, efficiency is sweet however not excellent: on entry, he barely misses the apex as a result of gentle understeer. In the meantime, within the snake part, the automotive seems nicely planted. At Flip 8, a medium-low-speed nook, the entrance responds excellently, with none corrections. Even at Flip 10, there are not any points, though different automobiles appear extra secure in that part.
Exit traction stays robust, with the flip seemingly taken flat out primarily based on the engine sound. At Flip 11, slight understeer on entry forces Leclerc to open the steering when approaching the apex. On exit, he has to right, as he applies throttle with extra steering angle than mandatory. At Flip 13, directionality is sweet, though he makes use of much less curb than the McLaren. Within the last nook, understeer continues to be current, with a slight snap on exit turning into oversteer.
As anticipated, utilizing an efficient setup and setting apart experiments has reworked the automotive’s habits. After the second a part of the session, {an electrical} problem arises, leaving the monitor in darkness. A purple flag halts all F1 exercise. About an hour later, the session resumes, although shortly after, a lightweight rain hits the monitor. The state of affairs doesn’t stop the drivers from operating. Ferrari decides to conduct a extra substantial high-fuel check to evaluate tire administration.
On this situation, the Ferrari’s drivability is just not optimum. A number of corrections are noticeable, and efficiency is relatively inconsistent. The stability nonetheless wants enchancment on this facet. The path is true, however there’s nonetheless work to do for the Italian staff. Charles Leclerc requests and receives a rear-end adjustment to melt the rear. A successful transfer, because the Ferrari responds nicely, gaining higher stability in each tempo and lap instances. About 20 minutes later, a front-end tweak follows, adjusting the entrance suspension.
This isn’t a matter of kinematics, as it’s not possible to switch it on this manner. Via the panel on the nostril cone, changes are made to experience top or stiffness. From what we perceive, it was the latter. The ultimate stint ends with alternating laps, the place the Ferrari driver checks the modifications. Nonetheless, time runs out and everybody heads to dinner. Our evaluation will proceed tomorrow, hoping Ferrari can take one other step ahead.
— see video above —
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
