Right here we go. Ferrari is able to problem McLaren and Purple Bull in spherical quantity 21 of the 2024 System 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 opponents. The Interlagos observe is sort of advanced, with a winding format and ranging elevations. The second sector is especially attention-grabbing, that includes a number of difficult corners that have to be dealt with exactly all through the lap.
Discovering the best steadiness between this part and the third, the place speeds are very excessive, received’t be straightforward. 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 System 1 season. Within the single hour of free observe, every workforce should skillfully fine-tune the setup of their F1 automotive, 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 are going to analyze the aerodynamic configurations chosen by the highest groups. We’re referring to the package deal every F1 workforce brings to the observe to adapt their automotive 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 report 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 automobiles competing on the high.
The principle focal point for us is in fact Ferrari and we are able to discover that the Maranello workforce chooses its setup for the Interlagos weekend following essentially 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 situation will probably be confirmed on the observe. The Prancing Horse has made a selection much like Purple Bull’s. Based on simulations executed by the Maranello technicians and engineers, adopting a medium-high downforce wing, much 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 automotive’s high velocity.
A parameter to which engineers typically dedicate nice consideration in setup, to the purpose that it has turn out to be a robust level for Ferrari. The expectation is to realize good dealing with within the pushed sections, the place aerodynamic effectiveness performs a vital position. It stays to be seen what compromise will probably be adopted when it comes to 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 workforce selected a lower-downforce strategy.
Now let’s transfer on to Purple Bull. The Milton Keynes workforce has opted for a high-downforce wing, much like the one used final 12 months. This specification is designed to maximise areas of aerodynamic load with out sacrificing general automobile effectivity. The aim 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. Generally, the world champion workforce opts for barely extra rear load, intending to maintain the rear steady throughout nook entry. We all know the Purple Bull RB20 has proven a number of points with its fine-tuning. Though its aerodynamic effectivity may be considerably much less efficient, Purple Bull chooses this route as a result of with larger vertical load, the automotive performs considerably higher.
Mercedes, alternatively, is aiming for the “spoon” wing, characterised by a pronounced vanguard and a lowered frontal space. This design is meant to generate barely much less downforce than its opponents, with the aim of enhancing high velocity. For Mercedes, enhancing high speeds is a transparent precedence, contemplating that the workforce led by Toto Wolff struggled with this side 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 scale back drag.