Ferrari is at a vital juncture. Extremely, it’s nonetheless competing for the 2024 Formulation 1 Constructors’ Championship title, an surprising scenario. The Maranello group started the season with a stable basis. The preliminary updates have been promising, though they didn’t absolutely ship the estimated positive aspects from the design section on observe. Then, as has been the case for a while, the SF-24’s optimum working vary was misplaced this yr. With out this subject, issues would undoubtedly be totally different.
Final week’s Qatar Grand Prix noticed the Maranello group claw again 3 factors from McLaren throughout the 2 races. It may have been far worse had Lando Norris not been penalized in a slightly naive method. That penalty retains the Italian group’s hopes alive forward of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Recovering 21 factors with out help from the Woking group itself won’t be a simple process. A hypothetical Ferrari one-two end, as an example, wouldn’t suffice if each MCL38 vehicles end proper behind Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. This highlights how difficult Ferrari’s mission is.
Ferrari group principal Frederic Vasseur isn’t giving up, nor are the drivers. Believing till the top prices nothing. Nevertheless, imagining the Maranello squad attaining a one-two end on the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island is tough, particularly contemplating Ferrari has by no means gained in Abu Dhabi. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc are nonetheless motivated, prepared to provide their all and capitalize on any errors by McLaren. A group that, had it optimized outcomes over the season, would have already got the Constructors’ Trophy secured. This offers Ferrari a sliver of hope, dreaming of one other reward from its opponents.
The Abu Dhabi observe incorporates a technical and complicated format, characterised by a mixture of straights and medium-speed corners that demand a stability between aerodynamic downforce and mechanical traction. The comparatively uniform observe floor floor doesn’t pose important challenges in tire administration, however the area’s sometimes excessive temperatures place thermal stress on the tires, making thermal administration essential, notably within the remaining sector. Balancing aerodynamics and mechanics can be important for tackling the circuit.
The observe rewards aerodynamic effectivity and lateral grip however penalizes compromises in rear-end administration. Ferrari arrives at a circuit that has traditionally highlighted the strengths of the Maranello automotive. Over the previous two years, the automotive has carried out persistently, adapting effectively to a observe combining straights, technical corners, and prolonged stretches. Final yr, the SF-23 constructed its laps primarily on nook exits, gaining from the apex onward. Nevertheless, it misplaced floor to Crimson Bull in nook entry phases.
This yr, the SF-24 single-seater has proven a very responsive entrance finish, a characteristic that would enable Ferrari to get well in nook entry, an space the place weaknesses emerged in 2023. Nevertheless, traction, much less stable in comparison with final season, represents a big problem. The Maranello group is assured, although, that it could possibly optimize this facet to attain a very good outcome. The direct battle with McLaren would be the focus of the weekend, as the 2 groups compete for the Constructors’ Championship title. The 2 vehicles are anticipated to “construct their lap” in an identical method on any such circuit.
With extra medium-speed corners in comparison with the gradual ones within the previous Formulation 1 format, each groups exhibit complementary traits. McLaren has considerably improved its top-speed parameter, particularly finish of straight velocity, in comparison with the final Formulation 1 season. Nevertheless, Ferrari has proven it could possibly reply, making this comparability intriguing. Each groups will work on particular setups, with Ferrari seemingly choosing a medium-downforce wing mixed with an efficient beam wing configuration and a flooring able to producing clear downforce and enhancing stability.
Managing trip heights can be essential to deal with any bumps alongside the circuit and keep away from compromising efficiency. Final season, a number of groups struggled with points, requesting some bumps to be flattened. Ferrari would possibly affirm using its newest up to date flooring, notably within the sharp edge space. In Qatar, after some constant-speed exams through the first free apply session, this main element was confirmed on Charles Leclerc’s automotive. That is additionally a constructive signal for the 2025 Formulation 1 automotive, because it signifies that they’re presently discovering correlation between simulation environments and the observe.
The compromise between aerodynamics and mechanics can be decisive. The historic Maranello group would possibly select a barely softer setup to maximise suspension efficiency on the observe’s irregularities and enhance cornering grip, whereas McLaren would possibly go for stiffer options to boost the effectivity of the floor-diffuser group, a key issue of their effectiveness in medium-speed corners final yr. In any case, the automotive’s total stability can be a central focus all through the weekend to optimize efficiency.
Tire administration can be a key issue. It is going to be important to keep up optimum rear-end temperatures, particularly within the remaining sector, the place minor sliding may push the rear axle out of its excellent working window. Final yr, Ferrari accomplished the primary sector with the rear finish under the goal temperature and might want to work on enhancing this to make sure constant tire administration all through the lap. The strategic selection of tires and their dynamic administration can be vital to the ultimate results of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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