Ferrari's Game-Changing Upgrades: The Delicious New ‘Chocolatey’ Revamp Making Waves in Imola
Ferrari’s Senior Performance Engineer Jock Clear has a knack for creative descriptions. His latest term for the upgrades brought to the SF-24 for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix? “Chocolatey with a bit more flavour.” This isn't just whimsical language. The much-hyped modifications involve seven strategic changes from the original launch version, designed to push the needle closer to leaders Red Bull while responding to McLaren's recent advancements.
Targeted Upgrades with Strategic Timing
Unveiled on Friday, these upgrades are Ferrari’s tactical answer to competitors' advancements, particularly McLaren's outing in Miami. Despite this, Charles Leclerc remains realistic, pointing out that Ferrari still faces challenges—especially in slow-speed performance. But, as Clear states, these upgrades were in the pipeline long before this particular issue was flagged, aiming at organic development of the car.
“We know the route this car is taking,” says Clear. “When Charles talks about weaknesses, you must understand that we are only six races in. Identified areas for improvement will naturally evolve. We’re bringing a car with more inherent potential, and our development path will continue to follow this trajectory. It’s like adding richness and depth—more ‘chocolatey’—to an already strong base.”
ImolaGP-Sainz-1-1024x684.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ImolaGP-Sainz-1-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ImolaGP-Sainz-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ImolaGP-Sainz-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ImolaGP-Sainz-1.jpg 1200w" />Set-Up Refinements: Conquering Weaknesses
Clear, aged 60, emphasized the strides Ferrari has already made in set-up before integrating the upgrades, tackling inherent shortcomings head-on. “We are continually refining the set-up. Even with developments already planned, we're moving things around to get the most out of the car, targeting weak spots identified during the first six races.”
The dual development path is clear: maximize tyre contact and enhance vertical load through aerodynamic gains. While the aero package has received a ‘chunky’ boost, efforts in set-up refinements continue to play a crucial role.
Timing is Everything
Unlike McLaren, Ferrari opted to delay the upgrades due to the Sprint format at the last two rounds in China and Miami. According to Clear, F1 teams need ample practice to fully understand new parts. “You know, if today goes smoothly and both drivers feel comfortable, we can dial things in fast. Optimistically, it can be done in two sessions. Sprint weekends make things tricky; substantial changes need time. The upgrades, though minor by historic terms, demand meticulous tuning.”
Clear notes that even small improvements are significant, with each tenth making a difference in grid positions within the top ten.
All Eyes on Imola
As Ferrari seeks to close the gap with continued development, the Imola Grand Prix serves as a crucial testing ground. The organic evolution of the SF-24 is strategically designed not just to iron out existing wrinkles but to enhance overall performance, bit by delicious bit. It’s a lesson in patience and precision, exemplified through a delicate balance of aerodynamic prowess and set-up fine-tuning.
The rich, layered flavour Clear talks about isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a reality Ferrari fans are hoping to taste as the season progresses.