Right here we go. Ferrari is able to problem McLaren and Crimson Bull in spherical quantity 21 of the 2024 Components 1 championship. It’s set to be an thrilling battle on the 4.309-kilometre Autodromo Jose Carlos Tempo in Brazil, as the sector is sort of shut and the brief Brazilian observe additional narrows the hole between rivals. The Interlagos observe is sort of complicated, with a winding structure and ranging elevations. The second sector is especially fascinating, that includes a number of difficult corners that have to be dealt with exactly all through the lap.
Discovering the correct stability between this part and the third, the place speeds are very excessive, received’t be simple. To not point out Sector 1, which incorporates difficult corners just like the “Senna S.” A vital issue to think about is the fifth Dash Race of the 2024 Components 1 season. Within the single hour of free follow, every group should skillfully fine-tune the setup of their F1 automobile, optimized by the simulator that makes use of driver-in-the-loop software program. We’re due to this fact in for one more thrilling weekend.
As all the time, we’ll analyze the aerodynamic configurations chosen by the highest groups. We’re referring to the package deal every F1 group brings to the observe to adapt their automobile to the course, on this case close to Sao Paulo. The Brazilian observe, which has hosted the highest class of Motorsport since 1974, is 4.309 kilometers lengthy, and the lap file is 1:10.540, set by Finland’s Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes W09. With out additional ado, let’s have a look at the F1 vehicles competing on the prime.
The primary focal point for us is after all Ferrari and we will discover that the Maranello group chooses its setup for the Interlagos weekend following probably the most rewarding technical path. For a lot of, Ferrari stays the favourite in Brazil, though on paper this isn’t the case and it stays to be seen if such a state of affairs shall be confirmed on the observe. The Prancing Horse has made a selection just like Crimson Bull’s. Based on simulations executed by the Maranello technicians and engineers, adopting a medium-high downforce wing, just like the one seen on the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona and at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico Metropolis, was the only option, particularly after the latest suggestions from final weekend’s race. The setup of the SF-24 has been tailor-made particularly to maximise the automobile’s prime velocity.
A parameter to which engineers usually dedicate nice consideration in setup, to the purpose that it has develop into a robust level for Ferrari. The expectation is to realize good dealing with within the pushed sections, the place aerodynamic effectiveness performs a vital function. It stays to be seen what compromise shall be adopted when it comes to suspension and roll resistance to optimize the general stability of the SF-24. In any case, selecting medium-high downforce marks a distinction from Mexico Metropolis, the place the historic Italian group selected a lower-downforce method.
Now let’s transfer on to Crimson Bull. The Milton Keynes group has opted for a high-downforce wing, just like the one used final yr. This specification is designed to maximise areas of aerodynamic load with out sacrificing general car effectivity. The aim is to stability grip in tighter corners with robust straight-line efficiency. In 2023, the RB19 tended to sluggish barely on high-speed sections, although it maintained a stable benefit within the pushed sections the place aerodynamics are key.
The present setup goals to take care of this attribute, permitting for a very good stability between cornering efficiency and prime velocity. Basically, the world champion group opts for barely extra rear load, intending to maintain the rear steady throughout nook entry. We all know the Crimson Bull RB20 has proven a number of points with its fine-tuning. Though its aerodynamic effectivity could be considerably much less efficient, Crimson Bull chooses this route as a result of with better vertical load, the automobile performs considerably higher.
Mercedes, then again, is aiming for the “spoon” wing, characterised by a pronounced forefront and a diminished frontal space. This design is meant to generate barely much less downforce than its rivals, with the aim of bettering prime velocity. For Mercedes, bettering prime speeds is a transparent precedence, contemplating that the group led by Toto Wolff struggled with this facet within the Brazilian Grand Prix final season. The configuration ought to permit them to raised deal with lengthy straights, counting on an aerodynamic profile optimized to cut back drag.