Scuderia Ferrari is taking System 1 very severely, whereas Lewis Hamilton and the Monegasque Charles Leclerc are in nice type and able to help the staff on the monitor throughout the TCP exams on the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Many consider that this kind of monitor testing can’t present attention-grabbing insights, however it is very important perceive that it’s not only a easy shakedown. Quite the opposite, there are a lot of attention-grabbing technical points. In latest days, we mentioned them in numerous articles, with a few essential references concerning the braking system and the facility unit developed by Lewis Hamilton.
Concerning the brakes, the Briton made his first strategy with Brembo’s system, as he beforehand used Carbon Industries for braking phases with Mercedes. It’s value highlighting the extremely constructive suggestions from the seven-time System 1 world champion, who discovered Brembo’s merchandise to go well with him very properly. That is notable contemplating the braking points he confronted throughout the 2024 qualifying season, the place he struggled to be aggressive. Andrew Shovlin had beforehand defined the explanations for this. One other issue to not be underestimated is the 066/12 energy unit.
The engine examined by Lewis Hamilton at Fiorano on the SF-23 is the one he’ll use within the subsequent championship. It’s a energy unit completely different from the German one. Technically, it lacks the cut up turbo, with the turbine and compressor positioned farther aside. As a substitute, the Ferrari design integrates the MGU-H and the turbo inside the “V” shaped by the engine’s cylinder banks. Past this issue, the variations between the interior combustion engine and the hybrid system are important when in comparison with the Mercedes resolution.
Lewis Hamilton has subsequently labored on refining his so-called “guide reminiscence,” which helps him use the steering wheel and its numerous controls shortly and with out trying whereas driving. This studying part additionally happens by means of the simulator, in fact, however on-track testing, as a consequence of its nature, is way extra demanding. Over the approaching days at Montmelo, these research will proceed for the seven-time System 1 world champion, nonetheless utilizing the 2023 automobile. Nevertheless, this time, the hours devoted to enhancing his know-how will probably be better and extra centered on particular parameters.
There are extra attention-grabbing concerns concerning probably noteworthy particulars. Important measures can present quite a lot of beneficial suggestions, significantly for somebody like Lewis Hamilton, who’s new to driving a Ferrari. This particularly issues the overall setup of the automobile. It’s no secret that each System 1 staff, when returning to the identical monitor after a yr, even with a brand new automobile, begins by assessing the setup references saved beforehand. On this case, returning to Barcelona with the Ferrari SF-23, a yr and a half after the Italian staff’s poor efficiency there, will probably be extremely helpful.
The competitiveness of the automobile alone doesn’t make the distinction in System 1, some extent that must be very clear to those that consider the game. Past the worth of the automobile itself, the sheer capacity of the engineers to fine-tune it’s essential. That is exactly the world Ferrari will deal with, later evaluating the information collected with that from 2024. One other sizzling matter associated to this issue issues tires. Tires are the one level of contact with the reference airplane, and never figuring out how you can use them correctly “ruins” efficiency. Ferrari has numerous examples of this.
On this case as properly, aero-mechanical settings play a key position. System 1 is pure expertise, which is why each single lap, even on an older automobile, can present extremely beneficial particulars. Though the 2025 tires characteristic a brand new development theoretically much less delicate to overheating, enhancing tire administration will probably be essential in adapting to the brand new ones. The division devoted to car dynamics is in full swing, with important and intense efforts underway, additionally due to the help of Loic Serra.
The Frenchman, initially from Nancy, has set new work targets, a few of which will probably be examined over the approaching days. This refers back to the knowledge assortment methodology that will probably be applied. This is a vital train, as with the ability to learn the collected data higher than others makes a distinction in interpretation. Considered one of Mercedes‘ strengths throughout its dominant period in tire administration lay exactly on this: the staff’s ability in evaluating all parameters associated to the tires. Ferrari is refining this method, partly initiated within the 2024 System 1 season, satisfied it’ll convey substantial advantages.
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