Enrico Cardile, the Technical Director of Ferrari, is confident that the team will maintain its strong performance in Formula 1 qualifying. The team has focused on enhancing its race performance with the introduction of the SF-24, a completely revamped car. Ferrari hopes that the new vehicle will instill confidence in its drivers in all circumstances, but there are concerns that prioritizing better race results may come at the expense of qualifying speed.
Cardile explained that the objective is to strike a balance between having a competitive car in qualifying and a more user-friendly platform for the race. The drivability of the car is crucial, as it determines how easily the performance can be extracted. While a lightweight car with fresh tires may perform admirably in a single lap, it becomes more challenging during the race as the tires wear down and the wind conditions fluctuate. By enhancing the drivability of the car, Ferrari aims to improve its performance in race situations.
In recent years, Ferrari has excelled in qualifying, consistently securing pole positions. However, the team has struggled to convert these advantageous starting positions into victories, as Red Bull has dominated the sport. Despite starting from pole position in 12 races in 2022, Ferrari only managed to win four of them. Last season, the team earned seven pole positions but only achieved one victory, which occurred in Singapore with Carlos Sainz. Ferrari’s previous car, the SF-23, proved to be too sensitive and challenging to handle in race conditions, hindering the team’s competitiveness.
Cardile’s primary focus with the new SF-24 is to address these flaws and create a more well-rounded platform. However, there is a concern that taming the car’s untamed nature may compromise its performance in a single lap. The drivability of the car has been achieved through adjustments in aerodynamics, with certain aspects prioritized over others. It remains to be seen whether this new platform will be more competitive in races than in qualifying, as previous Ferrari cars have been.
Overall, Ferrari is optimistic about the potential of the SF-24 and its ability to deliver improved results. However, the true test will come when the team hits the track, and it is too early to determine whether the car will excel in races or qualifying.
According to a source from motorsportweek.com.
