Ferrari in Pirelli test: advanced aeromechanical analysis on SF-24
Today at 06:29 AM
Ferrari is therefore pushing hard. After all, in Formula 1, you have to do it, or you’ll fall behind. The SF-25 brings several technical innovations, which we have recently detailed. The latest development concerns the work done at the rear to adjust the balance migration. A useful move to regain the traction lost in 2024, which was crucial for the two previous wing cars. While waiting to see the shapes of Ferrari’s next aero-mechanical engineering masterpiece, first in the Fiorano shakedown and then in the pre-season tests, here are the Pirelli track tests.
The first part of the test took place yesterday, with the continuation today on the Catalan track. This is a very challenging competitive scenario for the teams, as the goal is to simulate the load levels of the 2026 cars, with tires produced by the Italian tire supplier for the new regulatory framework. The rules to follow are several, all governed by the directives issued by the FIA. We discussed this in detail yesterday. Therefore, even though the car was the SF-24, it was unthinkable to draw any interesting conclusions regarding 2025.
Lewis Hamilton did a lot of laps, and the lap times were irrelevant. For the British driver, it was important to increase his confidence with the historic Italian team and, at the same time, become more familiar with all the controls on the steering wheel. We're talking about the various modes to manage the car more effectively. Charles also went out on track, and contrary to what was expected, he was also driving the 2024 car. This means that only today will he be able to recover the TPC lost last week when, due to the new teammate, he couldn’t run on Wednesday afternoon.
Ferrari decided to leave nothing to chance. Today, Charles should take advantage of the last opportunity granted by the FIA for the TPC. The Monegasque driver hadn't completed the testing program because of Lewis's crash into the barriers in the last sector of Montmelo. The crash occurred at very high speeds, over 200 km/h, in turn 14. The British driver lost control because he was pushing very hard, testing the limits of the car. It was quite a tough impact that ruined the front end of the SF-23, preventing Leclerc from completing the program.
Yesterday, Hamilton and Leclerc ran with the SF-24. Two cars were appropriately modified according to the directives of the International Federation, with the aim of collecting precise data on the Pirelli 2026 tires. Therefore, as mentioned, this test couldn't have any direct impact on Ferrari's car for next season. However, for the sole tire supplier, it was of vital importance, as they are working to define the specifications for the next generation of F1 cars. Currently, there is no physical model of the 2026 cars.
This is a factor that is making the work of the team of technicians led by Mario Isola particularly difficult. The team of engineers is trying to simulate the aerodynamic load levels specified by the new regulations. For this reason, the cars used in these tests are lightened by about 30 kilograms, thanks to a reduced amount of fuel used when simulating race stints, in an attempt to recreate conditions as close as possible to those of the future. We know that Ferrari, like McLaren and Alpine, has been asked to work on the suspension.
Very useful modifications to better understand the behavior of the compounds and effectively widen, as much as possible, the analysis range when the cars are stationary, as the saying goes. Pirelli’s strategy is quite clear: define a specific, accurate approach regarding the development of the tires. Having different teams helping, considering the different basic design characteristics, is a real boost for the Italian company. It allows them to validate the data and choose the most profitable path to follow towards the set target.
In these tests, a particularly low downforce setup was needed. The one used at the Monza Grand Prix, if we're talking about Ferrari. From observing the SF-24 on track, we noticed the appearance, between runs, of some aerodynamic elements placed at strategic points. This is if our perception wasn't mistaken, considering that visibility wasn't optimal. Assuming such a context, we could most likely assert that these devices were designed to maximize downforce without compromising airflow.
A measure to simulate different levels of downforce in alternate runs. We refer to the need to test low-load configurations, then compare them with a higher downforce setting. Furthermore, as we understood through our conversation with Pirelli on Monday afternoon, a different use of the rear wing was confirmed. Allowing the use of DRS even outside the designated zones, in practice, to reduce drag in various parts of the Barcelona circuit. In summary, Ferrari showed great efficiency in testing with the SF-24.
Excellent feedback provided by Hamilton and Leclerc, which Pirelli deemed very valuable, contributing to the data collection necessary for the future of the tires. Today, Ferrari continues its work, and right now, they are warming up the engines to get on track. This is the final warm-up before February 19, when the SF-25 will finally reveal its shape to the entire world. First on social media, then some exploratory laps on home soil. We'll be there, of course, to provide all the information useful to the cause.
— see video above —
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