In Fp1despite the choice of Ferrari to install less aerodynamic load on the car than the Red Bullas we explained yesterday to have a EOSS consistent and reach actual top speeds, the downforce generated from the bottom of the SF-24 it looked really good. I expect that through the on board it became clear. This is because when taking fast curves, we noticed a very stable, fast and well-balanced redhead also thanks to the support of the beam wingan aerodynamic appendage which is in fact a true extension of the diffuser.
We are talking about a small component of the current wing cars which however, on the single-seater of prancing Horseis capable of significantly compensating for the lower vertical thrust generated by the lower downforce of the wings chosen for Shanghai. The road to development seems to be the correct one, in short. Furthermore we can say that the cars of Maranello they ran with very low mappings, except in one session where they carried out a test in Engine 1 to understand the resistance to advancement of the single-seater, without however looking for the chronometric reference.
To confirm what has been said we note the top speed very low of Leclercwhile that of Haas which has the same engine, the powerful one PU 066/10we notice a discrepancy of 11 km on the top speed in favor of the VF-24 Of Kevin Magnussen. We await the Sprint Qualifying for further analysis, aware that from one session to another everything can change, keeping in mind that the references estimated in our analysis on the first trip of the Ferrari However, on the Chinese track he is awaiting confirmation, especially regarding the “tire activation” issue.
Q1: Ferrari SF-24 studies the track
Here we are. The so-called litmus test relating to tire lighting is about to take place. Soon we will understand if the great work extra done in sports management by the Ferrari drivers on the hysteresis cycle of the tires will bear fruit. The “two Carlos” are ready to hit the track. On board the SF-24 they are waiting for some mechanics for the first run of these first qualifying sessions Grand Prix de Japan which, as they know, are valid to make up the starting grid of the 100km mini race which will take place tomorrow.
The two Ferrari drivers abandon the pitlane Chinese. “Good warm-up on the brakes“: this is the command to introduce energy to the heart of the tire using the braking system. Let’s talk about one warm up strategy dedicated to activate the tires and maintain the optimal operating window for the entire session. Sainz he made some mistakes on the contrary Charles which, although more aggressive on the steering wheel, managed to optimize the load level of the red one. In the cool down lap the Spaniard complains about the traffic and claims that it is very difficult to maintain the delta. For the rest he wonders about turn 11, as for now he is unable to maximize performance at that point of the track.
In the second attempt push the Madrileño manages to do better, even though he himself recalls on the radio how the traffic made him lose a few tenths. The track engineers of Ferrari they ask their pilots if they want to make a further attempt, this even if the cut towards the Q2 It has already passed. A minute to think about it and both Ferrari drivers decide to launch again. In reality the Iberian changes his mind and abandons, followed by the Monegasque. The decision not to make one last attempt is clear: there was nothing to gain.
Q2: Ferrari SF-24 changes the warm up strategy
The evolution of the Chinese path will be decisive. Bearing in mind that we haven’t raced on this track for some time, adding up all the works carried out on the asphalt, the rubber covering of the reference surface will progress progressively. Ferrari he made no comments relating to the tyres, we are referring to the activation of the compounds. In this second phase of the qualification we will undoubtedly understand something more. Everything is ready to push again, keeping in mind that the engine revolutions will be raised, to have more factual evidence in terms of pure speed.
The two SF-24 they leave the lane box Of Shanghai. THE set of tires remain Pirelli yellow band. Brand new trains. There is a lot of traffic on the track because the possibility of rain scares the riders. In this case a outlap faster than the red standard bearers. The wall estimated that by lowering the time reference in the preparation lap, the temperatures placed on the compounds will undoubtedly be better. All given by the hand of Q1where the operating window of the “shoes” was too low and the grip insufficient available.
The rounds of Ferrari they are quite good, especially that of Leclerc who today seems particularly on the ball, more than his teammate. Sainz suffers especially in T2, apparently. Having put together a passage to cool the tires we go back to pushing, because some of the rain drops are becoming insistent, wetting the track. However, the need to abort the session arises, as the conditions of the wet track do not offer an improvement in performance. Reason for which Charles And Carlos they take the pitlane. We move on to Q3.
Q2: Ferrari SF-24 changes the warm up strategy
The situation in this last part of qualifying becomes really difficult. The track is slippery and interpretation will not be easy at all. The rain has definitely arrived, a condition where the talent of the drivers will be felt. The Ferrari drivers are waiting at the end of the pitlane the green light. The tires are green belted ones, Intermediate. Hybrid mapping is currently set to Soc 4to fully charge the batteries and enjoy the right power of the motorbike generators on the ride push.
It is also suggested to take a very wide trajectory entering Turn 1, and then progressively tighten. In the preparation round Charles he loses his car and ends up on the gravel, crashing into the barriers. After the appropriate checks with the sensors installed on the car they recall the number 16 in garage. We proceed with a change of the front wing, at the same time also replacing the tires for another one set Of Intermediate. While in Sainz he embarks on his first attempt with various difficulties. In this case the tactic is to continue pushing to bring the compounds up to temperature and access the major grip possible.
It is suggested to “close the differential” to better manage rotation and avoid too much oversteer. The conditions are really complicated with the Ferrari drivers trying to give their all. The lower load installed on the Ferrari weighs heavily at the moment. Sainz gets the 5th time behind Verstappen. The Spaniard opens up on the radio and comments on the impossibility of managing the rear as best as possible. Leclerc it makes more effort, as the time lost for the passage comes box it took away concentration and above all an attempt push. Despite this he placed himself in seventh place behind Perez.
A Sprint Race which promises to be really interesting. Norris he is the author of one super performance perishing the pole. Behind his back Hamilton who will start in the front row, followed by Fernando Alonso in third. The two “old men” of the F1 they showed what they were made of. The two Ferrari they will still be glued to the exhausts of the Red Bullwith the possibility of putting pressure on the cars Milton Keynes in the 100 km mini race that will take place tomorrow. Furthermore, listening to the pilots on the radio in the in-lap, today it just couldn’t be done.
Author: Alessandro Arcari – @berrageiz
Images: Scuderia Ferrari – F1Tv
Tags: Chinese Sprint Qualifying Ferrari glued Red Bull exhausts
