The outcome of the first Grand Prix of the season was problematic to say the least FerrariThat in just one weekend he blew away the optimism of the presentationwhen the leaders of the Cavallino had solemnly proclaimed that «the goal for 2023 is the world title». Not only that, according to them the SF-23 «it will be unprecedented in terms of speed. It will be a car as fast as it is reliable». From what we have seen in Bahrain the top speed is there, but there is still a lot to do on reliability, not to mention the problematic use of the new Pirelli tyres. During the pre-season tests and in the practice days, the SF-23 had shown that it was comfortable with the hard tires and less comfortable with the softer compounds. The exact opposite happened in the race. According to Vasseur “the SF-23 project is not wrong. We just have to work at it. The Sakhir track highlighted our weaknesses, but now we know where to work».
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The analysis of the SF-23: the front
Where will the Cavallino technicians have to intervene? Let’s try to find out by analyzing the SF-23 in detail. Observing it carefully, the family ties with last season’s SF-75 are evident, a redhead that opts for a rational development of the previous model, with two objectives: ward off last season’s reliability issues and improve straight-line performance, reducing drag. At least from this point of view, the data that emerged in Bahrain are encouraging, while last year Ferrari had recorded a maximum speed of 318 km, in 2023 Leclerc and Sainz reached 330 km. The front of the SF-23 it is the one that has undergone the most striking changes: last year’s captivating pointed nose has been replaced by a more conventional element, which no longer attaches to the main profile of the wing (main plane) but on the first flap. This design, in contrast with what the competition has done, it frees up the entire surface of the main profile and, according to the Cavallino aerodynamicists, should generate a greater load. The front wing of the SF-23 also features a series of vortex generators, similar to those tested last year by Mercedes. Still with an aerodynamic view, the front suspension, which maintains the push-rod layout, has been revised in the arrangement of the triangles, while the steering arm has been moved down and inserted into the lower triangle of the suspension, as has the steering box, for further lower the center of gravity of the car.
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