F1 Austrian Grand Prix: Ferrari Brings New Updates for SF-23 to the RED Bull Ring
Both drivers complained that the SF-23 was difficult to control during races, so the team made changes based on what they learned from the RB19 in an effort to make it more predictable.
By Divyam Dubey
Ferrari's SF-23 and the Hypercar that won the Le Mans 24 Hours race were both put through their paces during a filming day in Fiorano earlier this week to test out the modifications. Ferrari has made significant modifications, focusing primarily on the wing's outer edge and endplate in order to better manage the front tire's wake. The changes Ferrari made to its sidepods and floor during the Spanish GP have this additional advantage of enhancing flow downstream. The changes Ferrari made to its sidepods and floor during the Spanish GP also have the added advantage of enhancing flow downstream. Among the many changes made in Austria is a new and improved endplate. The leading edge now has a more rounded contour, and the whole surface slopes outward from the centerline.
Also Read: F1: Red Bull Affirms End of AlphaTauri Name form Formula 1, Team to be Renamed in 2024
F1 Austrian Grand Prix: What's new on Ferrari SF-23
The revised front is on full display at the Red Bull Ring pit lane, side by side with the one used in the Canadian GP. It's a fresh take on the whole thing, from the ground up, with a focus on the kinds of ideas that are signature to Red Bull.
Detalles de la nueva pletina lateral del Ferrari
— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) June 29, 2023
Details of new Ferrari's front wing sideplate.#f1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/Ohz4N6UxPO
We can see less blowing in the centre spoon and a considerably shorter string in the main profile. The second portion of the redesigned wing, upon which the nose sits, is the load-bearing element; this has grown in profile while the third and fourth flaps have shrunk noticeably. Therefore, the outermost section has had its "channel" improved in order to maximise air movement beyond the front wheel.
The height of the incidence control is where the flap ends, therefore the fourth part joining the side bulkhead is really simply a second flap derived from the third. The incidence was decreased at the nose to direct more air into the Venturi channels, and a nolder was installed on the lagging edge of the outermost descending flap.
The nose has also seen a minor modification, with the vanity panel being positioned off to the side of the leading edge of the second part of the front wing.
Also Read: F1 Austrian Grand Prix: McLaren's Latest Upgrade to MCL60 Features Red Bull Design Elements
F1: Can Ferrari Win the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix?
Ferrari's final Formula 1 win was at the Red Bull Ring in 2022. As of the eighth race of 2023, Red Bull has 12 podium finishes, Aston Martin has six, and Mercedes-Benz has four. Ferrari has one. It's a long way from the early championship charge it appeared capable of continuing in 2022; Charles Leclerc's triumph at the Austrian GP kept that chance alive. Ferrari is hoping that its newest update will help it reclaim its reputation as a serious threat to Red Bull in this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz, speaking during the drivers' press conference for the 2023 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix, said that Ferrari was having trouble with racing speed early in the season. He did, however, note that the race in Canada seemed to be moving at the right pace. According the Sainz, Ferrari improved their overall race pace while ending in fourth and fifth place, which was where they had been finishing every race.
