Ferrari approaches Yas Marina within the worst potential manner. Spherical 24 of the 2024 Formulation 1 season sees Charles Leclerc sadly going through a hefty penalty. This refers back to the ten-place grid penalty issued by the FIA, because the mechanics of the historic Maranello staff have been pressured to exchange the battery pack on automotive quantity 16 in any case mandatory checks. A major blow, because the Prancing Horse is battling McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship. Already a difficult process, this case considerably reduces the possibilities of turning issues round.
This morning, Arthur Leclerc additionally took to the observe. The Monegasque accomplished a clear session with out errors, working effectively underneath Riccardo Adami’s steerage. His older brother ran for lower than half an hour because of the aforementioned Power Retailer subject. In that brief time, the SF-24 carried out decently, displaying good baseline stability, although some points definitely wanted to be addressed.
Now let’s additionally take a look at how occasions unfolded for the 2 Ferrari drivers within the second free follow session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 2 Ferraris hit the observe and for this preliminary run, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz used a set of Pirelli yellow-banded tires.
The setup validation continues to hunt fine-tuning and maximize the automobiles’ efficiency. After activating the tires, they proceed with a reconnaissance lap because the sundown regularly provides approach to night time. A single cooldown lap follows, then the change to Engine Mode 1 for max energy on the inner combustion engine. Between the 2 drivers, the Spaniard interprets the observe higher with a extra delicate strategy. The observe engineers present all mandatory options to enhance dealing with and handle the automotive.
After two cooling laps for the tires, they go full throttle once more. Carlos Sainz is pressured to abort because of heavy visitors, and so is his teammate. Consequently, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz make one other try on the following lap. The Monegasque improves, however the Spaniard doesn’t. Charles Leclerc is especially robust in Sector 1, the place Flip 5 seems higher managed by way of load switch. The work program continues to push the automotive’s limits. Charles pushes a bit too exhausting and expresses concern concerning the flooring after hitting the curbs too aggressively, requesting a car verify.
The primary stint ends with each Ferraris trailing the McLarens of Norris and Piastri, who maintain fourth place. Summarizing the scenario, the rotation subject stays, although partially minimized in comparison with the morning’s run on the identical tires. A constructive notice is the traction exiting Turns 5 and seven. Nevertheless, the drivability of the SF-24 on the apex of a number of corners nonetheless wants enchancment, because the racing line tends to widen, forcing the automobiles to cowl further distance. Directional adjustments additionally require larger agility.
Within the second a part of the qualifying simulation, the change is made to Pirelli tires with pink sidewalls. Each Ferrari automobiles purpose to finish the nice and cozy up course of as successfully as potential to make sure optimum tire deformation and obtain most grip. This part is fastidiously managed, they usually proceed. Carlos Sainz goes out first however encounters some visitors that prices him time. Charles Leclerc faces the identical subject. Total, grip ranges didn’t appear optimum. Two laps to chill the tires are adopted by one other push try.
Thankfully, Charles’ automotive has no harm to the ground. Throughout the cooldown lap, Sainz stops within the pits for a tweak to the front-end load, whereas Leclerc opts to take care of the identical downforce configuration. Within the subsequent laps, the Ferraris make changes as wanted. Though the stability is nice, exact dealing with is required to ship robust efficiency, which isn’t but on the desired stage. The Ferraris return to the storage, awaiting their remaining run of the day. It appears suspension changes shall be made to enhance efficiency.
Discussing this run, the tires struggled to succeed in their goal temperature. Nevertheless, as soon as activated, the end in Flip 5 was considerably higher, hitting the apex with out affected by oversteer on exit. Extra work seems mandatory for nook preparation, as demanding an excessive amount of from the entrance finish on this observe is proving uncompetitive. Within the remaining a part of qualifying, round quarter-hour, the 2 Ferraris returned to the observe on Medium tires for a race tempo simulation.
With a excessive gasoline load, the Ferrari automobiles exhibit fewer drivability points. Partly because of decreased cornering speeds, the SF-24 turns into extra manageable, permitting the drivers to focus extra on their tempo. Evaluating to McLaren at this stage shouldn’t be easy. Nevertheless, the 2 MCL38s appear extra aggressive, although the gasoline hundreds on every automotive stay unknown. Lastly, just a few observations on what we have now seen.
On single-lap efficiency, Ferrari has untapped potential. Effective-tuning is required, although. Relating to race tempo, changes to the setup appear essential to optimize efficiency, which remains to be not at McLaren’s stage. The standard simulator work in a single day shall be essential for Ferrari, as it should assist implement the adjustments wanted to extract most efficiency, which thus far stays unrealized throughout right now’s two classes within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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