In F1 nothing is taken for granted, especially if your name is Ferrari. The historic Modena team presents itself in the first of the two Grand Prizes of the house in great shape. The SF-24 EVO pushes a lot and is ready to optimize the long and tiring work carried out over the last few months in relation to the updates. Upgrade which are working very well, although we will have to wait a couple more races to make a definitive judgment on the innovations installed on the car. In the meantime we can enjoy the performance shown in Imola. A performance that up to now has been making the fans dream prancing Horse.
The team Of F1 Modenese remains with his feet on the ground. She does it because before rejoicing she has the clear intention of reaping the fruit of her hard work. Taking into consideration the graphics produced by our editorial staff, a scheme which considers the value of the load and efficiency equation, we can easily see how the configuration of the Ferrari SF-24 EVO has managed to maximize parameters such as maximum and minimum speeds in the center of the curve. A balance that borders on perfection. A factor that undoubtedly makes everyone very confident team who, as mentioned, wants to try to take this pole in front of the infinite mass of supporters crowded in the stands.
Ultimately, before throwing ourselves into the narrative of the classification session of the Imola Grand Prix, we can remember an interesting fact. The red one has good traction but not as optimal as Red Bull. Which is why it decided, with an agreement between drivers and engineers, to use a precise strategy to optimize the acceleration phases. And it is precisely for this reason that, in certain corners of the track, corner entry was sacrificed in order to then enjoy better traction on exit. A measure that seems to have worked in free practice. We will know something more soon.
F1, GP Imola Q1: Ferrari saves a set of Softs
The weather conditions were frightening until a few days ago. But fortunately, until now, the sun has made its presence on the circuit that stands on the banks of the Santerno. Below is a workaround on current weather conditions: The air temperature was 23.3°C, the asphalt temperature was 43.4°C. Humidity at 43%, 1.8 km/h intensity of the wind blowing from the south-east quadrant. Inside the garage there is a certain tension. The opportunity to do very well is within reach, a factor which significantly increases the pressure on the Ferrari drivers’ shoulders. The “two Carlos” board their cars and receive final advice after examining the telemetry.
Here we are, the traffic light is green. The two redheads leave the track, both with a set of tyres Pirelli yellow band. As expected, there is a lot of care involved in activating the tires. With compounds Medium the red one shows good balance. After a lap to cool the compounds we set off again for a more aggressive attempt. The trust seems to be there even if the chronometric results are not up to date top and a few too many errors are present. For this reason there are a couple of tweaks on the front wing, to which must be added provisions regarding the pre-mapped configurations behind the steering wheel, concerning brake balance and center-of-corner differential.
After a short stop we return to the track to test the changes with the same compounds. A slight understeer when exiting corners is a bit of a nuisance for Ferrari drivers at this stage. Once the outlap is completed we move on to the mode push but, halfway through the lap, the wall points out that the lap can be aborted to save the tires for the race. Sainz he agrees and raises his foot, while Leclerc he decides to continue to raise his confidence. In the end the performance wasn’t bad at all, so much so that it placed 61 thousandths behind Verstappen. In all this it must be considered that the rest of the opponents used the Soft.
F1, Imola GP Q2: Ferrari realizes Red Bull
The second part of the qualification takes shape. Ferrari he wanted to give a sort of show of strength to make his opponents understand that they could easily pass the cut Q1. This is our interpretation which, however, as mentioned, obviously starts from the assumption that saving a set Of Soft it’s always convenient. The flag is still green and the second part of the Imola classification session takes place. This time around Pirelli they are red band for both Ferrari drivers. There track position it is good and allows adequate preparation of the tires during the outlet.
The extra grip of the compound softer than the lot it is felt. In this case Leclerc he seems decidedly more on the ball. This is demonstrated by the further attempt that Sainz he wants to do whatever it takes to optimize the timing, which he has affected by a few too many small errors. With the Soft understeer is minimized thanks to the greater grip offered by the “footwear”. To make sure there are no surprises, the two redheads take to the track. Although the engine maps are not yet at their best, they advise Ferrari drivers to give everything they have handling.
Adami, specifically, suggests the Spaniard improve his performance in turns 6 and 7, while the entry into turn 14 must change in terms of brake release. There track position For Carlos it’s a bit more complicated, although it doesn’t affect the preparation of the tour. This is why the Madrileño improves his performance even if he doesn’t show himself on the ball like his teammate. Also Charles improves but remains behind Verstappen. Generally speaking, the two Ferrari they continue to be very precise on entry, even if they suffer in traction on Red Bull. You pass the cut and enter the Q3.
F1, Imola GP Q3: Ferrari suffers a lot in T1
The last part of the qualification is about to take place. As expected and suggested in the morning, Red Bull she managed to fix the car and Max he seems like the opponent to beat also due to his great talent. Without forgetting the two McLaren always on point. The time to really get serious has arrived. A moment in which every little detail can make the difference. Very high concentration in the red team’s garage, as every slightest flaw, bearing in mind the very narrow gaps, can make a huge difference in making up the first ten slots from the starting grid.
The position of the two on the track SF-24 EVO it is optimal for maximizing the preparation lap. Introducing the correct amount of energy into the tire carcass is crucial in this situation, a necessary factor to access the maximum level of grip. Leclerc puts together a very clean lap but falls behind Verstappen And Norris. We’re talking about a tenth and a half from the three-time world champion, 70 from the winner of Miami Grand Prix. Carlos instead he suffers more. In particular in turns 7, 11 and 12 where he must necessarily increase his performance.
The latest details are present in the garage of the redhead. The two Italian single-seaters take to the track once again, for the last useful attempt. Leclerc dream about it poleit’s not too far away, Carlos wants to improve fifth place. The tour of Charles it is good on a general level but in T1 suffers from a slight snap which wastes a lot of time. More line but slower Sainz who ranks behind his teammate. Although the gaps are certainly not large, the disappointment is there. A fourth and fifth place which does not satisfy the Ferrari drivers at all who in the first sector are unable to bring the right speed to the center of the corner and get 3 tenths of a second in this section alone.
Tomorrow’s race is getting tough. The step of McLaren it is very good, as is that of Red Bull of the talent of Hasselt how lucky for him he also enjoyed a trail that favored him quite a bit in the last round of the Q3. Starting from the back is not at all easy Imola, considering that overtaking is not at all simple. There Ferrari However, he gave everything and the track engineers on the radio, Adami And Bozzi, they try to raise morale. We just have to wait until tomorrow to understand the performance of the red car with a high quantity of fuel on board, putting aside a qualifying that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
Author: Alessandro Arcari – @berrageiz
Images: Scuderia Ferrari
