Two trips to the track on the last day of Formula 1 pre-season testing confirmed that Red Bull has an advantage heading into the season. However, another team also made a strong impression.
Ferrari passed the visual test with vibrant colors. Throughout the day, and especially in the colder conditions of the night, it displayed a stance that explains why drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are so excited about this test compared to last year.
Observing from outside Turn 10 allows you to see the cars entering Turn 9 as well, providing a complete view of the challenging left-hand corners and how the cars handle them.
Turns 9 and 10 are particularly difficult, which makes it a good opportunity to evaluate a car’s performance. The car approaches Turn 9 at high speed and needs to slow down while taking the turn to navigate through Turn 10 to the left.
The combination of steering and braking requires precision, especially considering that the track has a surprising incline, causing the front inside of the car to become light. Ferrari dealt with all of this very well, regardless of the conditions, tires, or drivers.
It rarely seemed out of control, with the only notable issue being a lock-up from Sainz. Leclerc’s long run was particularly impressive. Although there was a slight slip at one apex, he quickly returned to his ideal performance.
Ferrari also impressed at Turn 11, a different type of corner that follows a high-speed approach from the back straight. It consistently entered the corner well and did not suffer from understeer.
Overall, Ferrari seemed planted and well-behaved, responding to the drivers’ commands. This is a significant improvement compared to its performance in 2023 and even in last year’s tests.
Although it is still unlikely that Ferrari will challenge Red Bull in the season opener, it appears to be the best among the rest. Throughout the test, there have been speculations about which team would emerge as the main competitor to Red Bull, with Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin all in contention.
However, Ferrari stood out, while the other teams failed to make a similar impact. Mercedes had its moments, and George Russell’s final lap was impressive, but it required more effort to reach that level of performance. Aston Martin did not seem as strong as Ferrari or McLaren during the long runs.
In the end, Ferrari’s progress compared to last year and its stability on the track made it a more promising competitor. The drivers are happier, and that is evident from a trackside perspective.
Although it may not be enough to beat Red Bull, Ferrari inspires a sense of optimism, especially based on its performance under the lights on the third day of testing. It is always better to have some hope than none.
