Ferrari stands out as the ‘only team’ to implement a unique concept on their vehicle throughout the F1 pre-season trials in Bahrain.
The SF-24’s engine cover designs have garnered attention within the paddock.
F1TV’s technical specialist, Sam Collins, commented on a fin present on the engine cover. “Ferrari has been experimenting with this design.
“Ferrari has been playing with the mounts around the TV camera housing.
“They are slightly kinked as they come out of the bodywork. Ferrari is the only team to do that.
“I just think that’s a little area of exploration to be exploited.
“That’s something Ferrari has been doing quite a lot in this part of the car.
“The aero rakes they were running were sculpted around the bodywork for a reason – because they have got some really interesting new bodywork on the edge of the Halo.
“You can just see it sticking out on the side of the rear part of the Halo.
“This is a really interesting area of development for all teams. Something nobody has done before.
“A little section just at the back of the Halo that comes down, a little kink at the bottom. That blends into the rest of the bodywork.
“Really nice piece of design. Aerodynamic rather than structural purposes because the Halo itself is a pretty solid piece of titanium.
“But the detail that has created in its wake is what it’s all about.”
The design developed by Ferrari’s technical director, Enrique Cardile, takes inspiration from Red Bull’s 2023 vehicle, although Red Bull has since abandoned this approach.
The SF-23 showcases a significant undercut in the area previously occupied by the front of the side pods.
According to Mark Hughes of F1.com, the design was achieved by “lowering the lower cockpit side impact bar and rearranging the radiators”
The purpose of the design is to “boost the speed of the airflow flow along the body sides and floor edges as it makes its way to the gap between the rear tyre and diffuser”.
Carlos Sainz conveyed to Ted Kravitz: “It’s okay. We have scanned it and put it up and down in set-up to see what the new car gives, in terms of performance and ability to play with set-up. So far so good.
“It was a tricky car to drive, last year’s car.”
Charles Leclerc further stated: “The SF-24 is, for now, respecting what we expected from her.
“It’s a good start but it doesn’t mean anything in terms of competitiveness.
“Very early to comment on that.
“In terms of drivability it is definitely a step forward because, last year after the test, we honestly didn’t understand much.
“It is difficult to find a direction, to give love, when you have an inconsistent car which, from one corner to another, has a different balance.
“This year it is not the case.
“However, my feeling is that Red Bull remains the reference.”
