The F1 Championship in 2024 is creating some surprises. Ferrari’s technical work on the 676 project is bearing fruit. Together with McLaren, the Italian outfit is interrupting Red Bull’s dominance at the front. After Leclerc’s Monaco victory, the Ferrari SF-24 ‘2.0’ faces a big test in Canada – a more normal circuit. “Let’s not draw too many conclusions from this weekend,” were the words of Fred Vasseur last week.
Ferrari to collect important data on SF-24 updates in Montreal
Montreal will be the first real litmus test for the updated Ferrari. Of course, Imola was the first shakedown of the heavily updated Ferrari. Still, from what forum1a.uno has learned, Ferrari underperformed significantly – partly due to poor setup. However, the initial feedback on the updates was generally positive.
Monaco is something of an outlier. Even without upgrades, the circuit would have been a good hunting ground for the Scuderia. The next round in Canada, therefore, is crucial to see more definitively if the SF-24 has improved aerodynamic load and efficiency.
Ferrari’s 2024 compromise has sacrificed some of the strong qualities in qualifying that characterized the old SF-23. To optimise your weekend in Canada, a compromise is necessary to maintain good straight-line speed. Top speed is an area where Ferrari has struggled for most of the season.
McLaren’s MCL38 has made important steps forward in this domain, gaining a few km/h in a straight line without having to make set-up sacrifices. Meanwhile, there are some question marks about how competitive Red Bull will be in Montreal.
No upgrades in Montreal: Ferrari’s Imola package cost 25% of the development budget
Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren go to Montreal to fight for victory. These teams are all aware that small details will make the difference. This weekend in Canada, there will be no new parts on the SF-24 2.0, which will return to the medium load configuration – featuring the rear wing configuration used to start the year.
Ferrari’s rear load level will be much more manageable with the beam wing, which should be compared to the two “gull-wing” and single-element configurations. From what we know, Ferrari’s Imola package costs approximately a quarter of the budget, which will be allocated to “mid-season” updates.
This figure is broadly in with the financial roadmap established at the beginning of the year. The development between now and the autumn will concern “slimming performance” from the development paths dependent on it. Ferrari will not make drastic changes until Silverstone, which will see the SF-24’s next significant updates.
Comparison of the rear wings of the Ferrari SF-24 – Illustration Rosario Giuliana
Ferrari to introduce an SF-24 “2.1” in Silverstone with further updates
We have talked far and wide about the diligent work in Maranello. The efficient work in the factory produced the important upgrades that arrived in Imola. These upgrades will be the most significant that Ferrari introduce in 2024.
Silverstone will see the Scuderia’s next big step, with an SF-24 that can be described as a “2.1” version. For the next few rounds, Fred Vasseur’s team will work to optimise their existing package. Given the current pecking order, it remains unlikely that Ferrari will rush any upgrades. This is especially true since there are some events, like Austria, that feature Sprint weekends. These are not ideal conditions to bring fresh components.
The updates scheduled for Silverstone aim to widen Ferrari’s operating window and make it more competitive in different conditions. Final adjustments are being discussed as the team pours over the initial data collected from the Imola package.
