Ferrari has made the best impressions so far after several days of testing. But what makes the new red racer so strong? F1 Insider reveals its technology secret.
It’s always the same in Formula 1. If a team is faster than everyone else in winter testing, the competition ponders why that is.
This year is no difference. During all four days of testing in Barcelona Ferrari underlined its strong performance. Charles Leclerc was like Sebastian Vettel the days before faster than the competition.
And it’s the competition that’s getting nervous. A speed advantage of over 0.5 seconds per lap on Mercedes according to Red Bull’s internal calculations.
“At least,” added Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost in an interview with F1 Insider. “I think it’s even more.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff points to the front spoiler. “The front wings on Ferrari and Sauber are interesting,” he confesses.
In both cars, the rear flaps are either descending or cut off to the outside. An interesting solution to divert more air around the front wheels to the outside.
All other teams, including Mercedes and Red Bull, have flaps that start deep inside and rise to the outside – as it has always been.
But it’s not only the front wing that stands out. Similar to the Red Bull the Ferrari has a unique concept. At the track, we were able to observe that the tail sinks on the straights. However, it does return to its initial position during breaking.
The effect: The air resistance decreases on the straights for better top speeds, in curves, the downforce increases by returning to its initial positioning. A solution similar to the on that Red Bull introduced in 2018.
Mercedes can’t copy this solution due to its different composition and design with a low rake. That’s why they won’t be able to copy Ferrari’s front wing.
According to Franz Tost: “It would take three to four months because the entire car would have to be rebuilt.” Mercedes is betting on a completely different concept.
FIA Chief Technology Officer Jo Bauer also noticed Ferrari’s new system.
“Absolutely legal!” he comments.
The lowering of the rear could be controlled by the spring rate and hydraulic dampers and NOT by cross-linking of various axes – as it is forbidden in current regulation. It just wouldn’t be necessary for such a solution.
Observers add: “The Ferrari can brake extremely late and still remains stable, followed by a quick return to top speeds.”
The same can be said about Mercedes. However, it seems as if their engine is not as good in accelerating as the Ferraris are. The Red Bull, on the other hand, still lacks grip on the rear axle.
The most important thing for Vettel is not whether the front spoiler or innovative rear suspension makes the difference, but the whole car seems to be tailor-made for him.
Already after the first day of testing, he reports back with gleaming eyes: “The car does what I want, I can play with it.”
Sounds like the good old times at Red Bull.