Ferrari approaches Yas Marina within the worst doable 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 workforce had been compelled to exchange the battery pack on automotive quantity 16 in any case mandatory checks. A big blow, because the Prancing Horse is battling McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship. Already a difficult job, this case considerably reduces the probabilities of turning issues round.
This morning, Arthur Leclerc additionally took to the observe. The Monegasque accomplished a clear session with out errors, working effectively beneath Riccardo Adami’s steerage. His older brother ran for lower than half an hour as a result of aforementioned Vitality Retailer difficulty. 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 observe 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 vehicles’ efficiency. After activating the tires, they proceed with a reconnaissance lap because the sundown steadily offers option to evening. A single cooldown lap follows, then the swap 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 method. The observe engineers present all mandatory solutions to enhance dealing with and handle the automotive.
After two cooling laps for the tires, they go full throttle once more. Carlos Sainz is compelled to abort because of heavy site visitors, and so is his teammate. Consequently, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz make one other try on the subsequent lap. The Monegasque improves, however the Spaniard doesn’t. Charles Leclerc is especially robust in Sector 1, the place Flip 5 seems higher managed when it comes to load switch. The work program continues to push the automotive’s limits. Charles pushes a bit too arduous and expresses concern in regards to the flooring after hitting the curbs too aggressively, requesting a car test.
The primary stint ends with each Ferraris trailing the McLarens of Norris and Piastri, who maintain fourth place. Summarizing the scenario, the rotation difficulty stays, although partially minimized in comparison with the morning’s run on the identical tires. A constructive observe is the traction exiting Turns 5 and seven. Nonetheless, 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 vehicles to cowl further distance. Directional adjustments additionally require better agility.
Within the second a part of the qualifying simulation, the swap is made to Pirelli tires with pink sidewalls. Each Ferrari vehicles intention to finish the nice and cozy up course of as successfully as doable to make sure optimum tire deformation and obtain most grip. This part is rigorously managed, they usually proceed. Carlos Sainz goes out first however encounters some site visitors that prices him time. Charles Leclerc faces the identical difficulty. General, grip ranges didn’t appear optimum. Two laps to chill the tires are adopted by one other push try.
Happily, Charles’ automotive has no harm to the ground. Through the cooldown lap, Sainz stops within the pits for a tweak to the front-end load, whereas Leclerc opts to keep up 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 degree. The Ferraris return to the storage, awaiting their remaining run of the day. It appears suspension changes will probably be made to enhance efficiency.
Discussing this run, the tires struggled to succeed in their goal temperature. Nonetheless, as soon as activated, the end in Flip 5 was considerably higher, hitting the apex with out affected by oversteer on exit. Further 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 vehicles 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 will not be simple. Nonetheless, the 2 MCL38s appear extra aggressive, although the gasoline masses on every automotive stay unknown. Lastly, just a few observations on what we have now seen.
On single-lap efficiency, Ferrari has untapped potential. Tremendous-tuning is required, although. Concerning race tempo, changes to the setup appear essential to optimize efficiency, which remains to be not at McLaren’s degree. The same old simulator work in a single day will probably be essential for Ferrari, as it should assist implement the adjustments wanted to extract most efficiency, which thus far stays unrealized throughout immediately’s two classes within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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