Ferrari is undergoing a major overhaul at their headquarters in Maranello following their surprising performance at Zandvoort. With three upcoming tracks where the car can showcase its strengths, the team is gearing up for some exciting developments after their home race at Monza.
Challenges at Zandvoort and Beyond
Zandvoort, along with Barcelona, Silverstone, and Budapest, has always been a challenging track for Ferrari due to its long, medium-speed corners. These types of corners have historically posed difficulties for the red cars, as they struggle with maintaining grip and downforce in such conditions. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur believes that the car loses downforce when rolling over its longitudinal axis, especially when the front wheels are turned. Despite these challenges, Ferrari managed to secure a podium finish and 25 points at Zandvoort, much to the delight of driver Charles Leclerc, who expressed pride in the team’s performance.
Improvements at Monza and Looking Ahead
As Ferrari prepares for their home race at Monza, they are introducing new racing overalls for their drivers in a sleek black carbon look. While the team faced a significant gap of nine tenths of a second in qualifying, they displayed a remarkable transformation in the race itself. Both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz made impressive gains during the race, showcasing the team’s strength in race performance compared to their qualifying pace. Vasseur attributes this shift to excellent starts, strategic pit stop timing, efficient tire changes, and a car that manages its tires well. Despite finishing third, Vasseur emphasizes that the team’s ultimate goal should be to secure victories.
Analyzing Success and Looking to the Future
Leclerc highlights the importance of understanding why things are going well unexpectedly, rather than just focusing on troubleshooting when issues arise. Vasseur believes that psychology plays a significant role in a driver’s performance, emphasizing the importance of confidence and comfort behind the wheel. As Ferrari continues to analyze their strengths and weaknesses, they are looking towards the future with optimism and determination.
Upgrades in the Technical Department
Ferrari is committed to strengthening their technical department to address the challenges they face on specific tracks. While the details of these upgrades are still under wraps due to ongoing renovations at the wind tunnel, the team has approved an upgrade package that will be implemented before the upcoming races. With Monza, Baku, and Singapore on the horizon, Ferrari is looking forward to tracks that suit their car’s characteristics, particularly with long straights and tight corners. Fans can expect announcements regarding changes in the technical structure and new additions to the team following the Monza race, with former Mercedes chassis chief Loic Serra playing a key role in the developments. Amidst these changes, the dream of working with legendary designer Adrian Newey continues to inspire the team.
Preparing for Success at Future Races
As Ferrari gears up for the challenges ahead, they are focused on capitalizing on their strengths and addressing their weaknesses to secure victories on the track. With a renewed sense of determination and a commitment to excellence, the team is poised to make significant strides in the remaining races of the season. Stay tuned for updates on Ferrari’s progress and innovations as they continue their journey towards success in Formula 1.
