Ferrari's F1 Car for Imola: Eight Crucial Modifications

"Ferrari's F1 car for Imola undergoes eight crucial modifications, enhancing performance for the unique demands of the circuit. Explore the key changes tailored for optimum performance on the challenging track."

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The team took this step to secure adequate time in case any initial issues arose due to a significant alteration, impacting not only the aerodynamic performance but also the cooling of the power unit and associated components. Developing, preparing, and producing such a comprehensive package has demanded considerable effort from Ferrari, especially as they navigate Formula 1's packed international calendar to unveil the updates upon the series' return to Europe.

The rationale behind this choice likely stems from the fact that the previous two races were also sprint events, allowing only one practice session each to evaluate behavioral changes and determine the optimal setup with the new components for the competitive session.

The most notable alteration to the SF-24 is the implementation of an overbite sidepod inlet configuration, a design reminiscent of Red Bull's approach, although various teams feature their own versions of the overbite. Ferrari has chosen to link its fresh horizontal inlet with the bypass duct's inlet adjacent to the chassis, resulting in a more P-shaped inlet, resembling the layout seen on the Alpine and Mercedes.

As a result of this update, the outlet adjacent to the cockpit and halo has been discontinued, leading to modifications in the vanes, which now exhibit a more stylized appearance reminiscent of a Cobra when viewed head-on.

The transition from an underbite to an overbite configuration changes the height of the sidepod's undercut, allowing for better capture of airflow as it travels downward and around the bodywork, albeit now with an inlet incorporated within that area.

This alteration enables subsequent surfaces to be optimized, enhancing airflow towards the rear of the car, with significant adjustments made to the waistline as part of the update.

With the adoption of the overbite configuration, the absence of an inlet along the sidepod's upper surface suggests potential improvement in airflow over the sidepod.

Alongside the reconfiguration of sidepod bodywork and cooling parameters, the engine cover and cooling outlets have been updated, featuring a larger single outlet similar to the one tested in Fiorano as part of the package previously evaluated in Japan.

Additionally, there are noticeable detail changes on the floor's surface, indicating extensive development beneath the SF-24. The forward section of the edge wing has been modified with a more aggressive camber, while the strakes have been enhanced to match.

Additional adjustments to the edge wing's profile are evident downstream, and alterations to the support bracketry around the floor's split line have also been made. Instead of relying solely on the support spar's bracket to secure both sections in place, a new horseshoe bracket has been introduced, enabling further segmentation of the two sections.

Interestingly, this arrangement bears resemblance to a solution employed in 2023, indicating that the team opted for a previously utilized solution that likely offered performance advantages, albeit ones that were not fully exploited at the time.

The rear wing has undergone modifications, with adjustments made to both the tip section and the endplate cutout. The aim is to increase the wingspan of the upper flap and alter the tip vortex to enhance wing efficiency.

The tip section now features a squarer profile, departing from the previous rolled-over design that matched the shape of the mainplane ahead. Consequently, the support bracket between the two sections has been shortened and moved inward.

These alterations expose more of the mainplane's trailing edge and endplate cutout, providing designers with greater flexibility to optimize their shape.

Source: autosport