Scuderia Ferrari is taking Method 1 very severely, whereas Lewis Hamilton and the Monegasque Charles Leclerc are in nice kind and able to assist the staff on the observe through the TCP assessments on the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Many consider that one of these observe testing can’t present fascinating insights, however you will need to perceive that it isn’t only a easy shakedown. Quite the opposite, there are a lot of fascinating technical points. In current days, we mentioned them in varied articles, with a few essential references relating to the braking system and the facility unit developed by Lewis Hamilton.
Relating to 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 price highlighting the extremely constructive suggestions from the seven-time Method 1 world champion, who discovered Brembo’s merchandise to go well with him very effectively. That is notable contemplating the braking points he confronted through 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 totally different from the German one. Technically, it lacks the break up turbo, with the turbine and compressor positioned farther aside. As an alternative, 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 inner combustion engine and the hybrid system are vital when in comparison with the Mercedes resolution.
Lewis Hamilton has due to this fact labored on refining his so-called “handbook reminiscence,” which helps him use the steering wheel and its varied controls shortly and with out wanting whereas driving. This studying section additionally happens via the simulator, after all, however on-track testing, on account of its nature, is way extra demanding. Over the approaching days at Montmelo, these research will proceed for the seven-time Method 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 fascinating concerns relating to probably noteworthy particulars. Vital measures can present an excessive amount of beneficial suggestions, significantly for somebody like Lewis Hamilton, who’s new to driving a Ferrari. This particularly issues the final setup of the automobile. It’s no secret that each Method 1 staff, when returning to the identical observe after a 12 months, 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 12 months 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 Method 1, a degree that must be very clear to those that consider the game. Past the worth of the automobile itself, the sheer skill of the engineers to fine-tune it’s essential. That is exactly the world Ferrari will concentrate on, later evaluating the info 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 understanding how you can use them correctly “ruins” efficiency. Ferrari has numerous examples of this.
On this case as effectively, aero-mechanical settings play a key position. Method 1 is pure know-how, which is why each single lap, even on an older automobile, can present extremely beneficial particulars. Though the 2025 tires characteristic a brand new building theoretically much less delicate to overheating, bettering tire administration will probably be essential in adapting to the brand new ones. The division devoted to car dynamics is in full swing, with vital and intense efforts underway, additionally due to the assist 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 information assortment methodology that will probably be carried out. This is a crucial train, as with the ability to learn the collected info higher than others makes a distinction in interpretation. One in every of Mercedes‘ strengths throughout its dominant period in tire administration lay exactly on this: the staff’s talent in evaluating all parameters associated to the tires. Ferrari is refining this system, partly initiated within the 2024 Method 1 season, satisfied it should deliver substantial advantages.
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