Ferrari F1 nosecone
With Ferrari reportedly plotting an imminent filming day to unveil their Red Bull-inspired upgrades, the Scuderia has already hit the test track to trial a new piece of kit aimed at improving wet-weather racing.
In the F1 2024 campaign, Ferrari initially appeared to be the leading team after Red Bull. However, McLaren entered the development race and made an impressive impact. Lando Norris drove the extensively upgraded MCL38 to triumph in Miami, proving McLaren’s capabilities and outperforming Ferrari.
Ferrari head to Fiorano to test F1 spray guards
Ferrari, however, seems to be preparing their response.
‘Between Thursday and Friday’, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will reportedly put a 2.0-spec SF-24 through its paces at Fiorano, which will feature Red Bull-styled sidepods with slimmer radiator openings among wider changes.
Although Ferrari did take to the Fiorano track this week, their first priority was to assist the FIA in testing a more intense variant of the proposed Formula 1 spray guards. This test, organized by the FIA, does not fall under the category of a filming day.
During the inaugural test at Silverstone in 2023, no significant progress was observed in enhancing the spray impact generated by the F1 cars. Mick Schumacher and Oscar Piastri participated in this test. However, online images depicted the latest FIA endeavor being tested at Fiorano by Ferrari’s Arthur Leclerc and Oliver Bearman.
The latest spray guards now provide extensive coverage for the wheels.
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Charles Leclerc openly acknowledged the importance of the upcoming test for Ferrari’s season, where they would be running an upgraded SF-24. He expressed his optimism in Ferrari’s ability to keep up with McLaren’s advancements.
He expressed that the upgrade would hold great significance, as it would dictate the course of our entire season. He eagerly anticipated it and hoped that it would propel us forward significantly.
“This year will witness an intense race for upgrades, and I’m excited that our car will soon be equipped with new components that, ideally, match the quality of McLaren’s.”
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, believes that the upgraded SF-24 is ready for the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which happens to be Ferrari’s first home race of F1 2024. He anticipates a strong performance from the team, not solely based on the upgrades, but also due to their potential to challenge for victory.
Vasseur expressed his confidence in fighting for victory at Imola during the previous Miami Grand Prix, stating that the varying track conditions and tire compounds play a more significant role than any updates.
In the current F1 2024 Constructors’ standings, Ferrari is placed in P2, trailing Red Bull by 52 points and leading McLaren by a margin of 63 points.
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