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 monitor additional narrows the hole between rivals. The Interlagos monitor 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 proper steadiness between this part and the third, the place speeds are very excessive, gained’t be simple. To not point out Sector 1, which incorporates difficult corners just like the “Senna S.” An important issue to think about is the fifth Dash Race of the 2024 Components 1 season. Within the single hour of free follow, every staff should skillfully fine-tune the setup of their F1 automotive, optimized by means of 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 staff brings to the monitor to adapt their automotive to the course, on this case close to Sao Paulo. The Brazilian monitor, which has hosted the highest class of Motorsport since 1974, is 4.309 kilometers lengthy, and the lap report is 1:10.540, set by Finland’s Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes W09. With out additional ado, let’s take a look at the F1 vehicles competing on the high.
The principle focal point for us is after all Ferrari and we will discover that the Maranello staff 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 monitor. The Prancing Horse has made a selection just like Crimson Bull’s. In accordance with simulations finished 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 current suggestions from final weekend’s race. The setup of the SF-24 has been tailor-made particularly to maximise the automotive’s high velocity.
A parameter to which engineers typically dedicate nice consideration in setup, to the purpose that it has turn into a powerful level for Ferrari. The expectation is to realize good dealing with within the pushed sections, the place aerodynamic effectiveness performs an important function. It stays to be seen what compromise shall be adopted by way of suspension and roll resistance to optimize the general steadiness of the SF-24. In any case, selecting medium-high downforce marks a distinction from Mexico Metropolis, the place the historic Italian staff selected a lower-downforce method.
Now let’s transfer on to Crimson Bull. The Milton Keynes staff 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 total automobile effectivity. The purpose is to steadiness grip in tighter corners with robust straight-line efficiency. In 2023, the RB19 tended to gradual barely on high-speed sections, although it maintained a strong benefit within the pushed sections the place aerodynamics are key.
The present setup goals to take care of this attribute, permitting for an excellent steadiness between cornering efficiency and high velocity. Typically, the world champion staff opts for barely extra rear load, intending to maintain the rear secure throughout nook entry. We all know the Crimson Bull RB20 has proven a number of points with its fine-tuning. Though its aerodynamic effectivity may be considerably much less efficient, Crimson Bull chooses this route as a result of with better vertical load, the automotive performs considerably higher.
Mercedes, alternatively, is aiming for the “spoon” wing, characterised by a pronounced vanguard and a diminished frontal space. This design is meant to generate barely much less downforce than its rivals, with the purpose of enhancing high velocity. For Mercedes, enhancing high speeds is a transparent precedence, contemplating that the staff led by Toto Wolff struggled with this facet within the Brazilian Grand Prix final season. The configuration ought to permit them to higher deal with lengthy straights, counting on an aerodynamic profile optimized to cut back drag.