Through the lunch break on the primary day of pre-season testing on the Bahrain circuit, the Ferrari technicians and engineers performed an preliminary evaluation with a transparent perspective. In Method 1, the flexibility to check information is at all times essential, particularly after gathering a lot essential and helpful info. The Italian crew carried out a somewhat intensive morning session with Lewis Hamilton. In line with what has been reported by varied Italian information media retailers, the purpose with the Briton was to hold out a selected process: testing extra aggressive setups, as Charles Leclerc had carried out final week in the course of the shakedown on the Fiorano circuit. It was essential to obtain suggestions on this facet from the seven-time world champion as effectively.
Within the afternoon session, Ferrari’s in-house professional took to the monitor. We consult with the Monegasque driver, who’s about to enter his seventh Method 1 season with the Maranello crew. It was as much as him to evaluate the qualities of the Ferrari with out the restrictions that the crew needed to “endure” in the course of 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 automobile’s aerodynamic map.
Charles Leclerc additionally mounted a big aerodynamic rake. In his case, nevertheless, the construction was positioned on the rear of the automobile, proper subsequent to the tires. It is a setup with varied Pitot tubes that measure static and dynamic stress. The concept was to scan the complete vertical space and map the stress discipline, then examine the collected information with CFD outcomes. This take a look at confirms the adjustments to the ground that we had anticipated in the course of the automobile’s presentation.
The seen portion of the ground is much like the experimental Las Vegas specification, however the true adjustments are within the hidden space, the place the Venturi channels are situated. The identical applies to the keel space. To make the gadget work optimally, the run was performed at particular speeds and in sure components of the monitor to make sure that the mapping was not distorted by different disruptive variables. As soon as this take a look at was accomplished, the automobile was introduced into the storage to take away the aero rakes. In Charles Leclerc’s arms, the Ferrari instantly appeared extra responsive. Let’s take a step again to know why.
Within the closing a part of the primary session, drivability improved with Lewis Hamilton. Due to the knowledge 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 far more impartial. That’s why the Briton additionally carried out the sort of work this morning, to supply additional insights for the crew. There’s a “match” between the automobile’s habits at Fiorano with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s run this morning. In each instances, in sure corners, understeer was extreme rotation.
Let’s return to Charles Leclerc’s third run, after a fast stint to verify all of the automobile’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 automobile pushed by Lewis Hamilton. Initially, within the third sector, the driving was not but good, with the SF-25 pressured to partially carry off the throttle. The identical occurred in the course of the snake part, the place Charles Leclerc lifted at Flip 6. His confidence with the automobile 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, automobile quantity 16 has a superb exit part. At Flip 4, efficiency is sweet however not good: on entry, he barely misses the apex as a result of delicate understeer. In the meantime, within the snake part, the automobile seems effectively planted. At Flip 8, a medium-low-speed nook, the entrance responds excellently, with none corrections. Even at Flip 10, there aren’t any points, though different vehicles 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 appropriate, as he applies throttle with extra steering angle than obligatory. At Flip 13, directionality is sweet, though he makes use of much less curb than the McLaren. Within the closing nook, understeer remains to be current, with a slight snap on exit turning into oversteer.
As anticipated, utilizing an efficient setup and setting apart experiments has remodeled the automobile’s habits. After the second a part of the session, {an electrical} situation arises, leaving the monitor in darkness. A purple flag halts all F1 exercise. About an hour later, the session resumes, although shortly after, a light-weight rain hits the monitor. The scenario doesn’t stop the drivers from operating. Ferrari decides to conduct a extra substantial high-fuel take a look at to evaluate tire administration.
On this situation, the Ferrari’s drivability just isn’t optimum. A number of corrections are noticeable, and efficiency is somewhat inconsistent. The steadiness nonetheless wants enchancment on this facet. The course is correct, however there may be nonetheless work to do for the Italian crew. Charles Leclerc requests and receives a rear-end adjustment to melt the rear. A successful transfer, because the Ferrari responds effectively, 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 unattainable to switch it on this means. By the panel on the nostril cone, changes are made to journey top or stiffness. From what we perceive, it was the latter. The ultimate stint ends with alternating laps, the place the Ferrari driver exams the adjustments. 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 find out about us
