Ferrari has been experiencing a positive trend during the 2024 Formula 1 season. The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai is returning to Formula 1 after a 5-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The last race held there was in 2019, under different car regulations and tire conditions.
During the upcoming race weekend, teams will need to bring their best performance to see how the current generation of Formula 1 cars fare on the track. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur shared his thoughts on the biggest uncertainty for his team.
According to Vasseur, the main unknown factor will be the condition of the track surface. While the track layout is familiar, the roughness of the asphalt and the cooler weather compared to the previous event raise significant questions. The lack of data or information due to Pirelli’s inability to test their tires on the track since 2019 adds to the intrigue.
The Chinese GP will also feature the first Formula 1 sprint race of the season. In this new format, teams will have only one practice session, making it challenging to find the right setup. Vasseur emphasizes the importance of the first practice session (FP1) in China, as teams will have limited time to experiment with different setups or make significant changes to their cars.
Vasseur suggests that choosing the right setup during FP1 will have a decisive impact on the overall team performance throughout the weekend. It remains to be seen how Ferrari and other teams will overcome the significant challenges they will face during the upcoming race weekend in Shanghai.
© 2024
