Ferrari outlines SF23’s aerodynamic flaws in the 2023 season

Ferrari addressed power unit issues from 2023, evident in improved top speed, yet faced aerodynamic hindrances.

Ferrari outlines SF23’s aerodynamic flaws in the 2023 season

Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur and Charles Leclerc (Via IMAGO)

It looked like Ferrari hit a home run when they won 2 out of the 3 races at the start of 2022 and had aced their concept for the downforce era. Despite an initial surge, Ferrari succumbed to Red Bull in later races, resulting in a season loss. In 2023, hopes for a swift recovery were dashed as persistent reliability and design issues plagued Ferrari. Chassis Chief Enrico Cardile elucidated on these challenges and detailed the aerodynamics of their SF23.

Ferrari faced challenges with their car’s rigidity and sensitivity to wind in the first half of the season, causing handling issues that affected the confidence of drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. They even tweaked their sidepod design to match the downwash concept of the Red Bull. However, it wasn’t enough to challenge them as the innate problems with their design concept. 

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Cardile noted the 2023 car evolved from the 2022 model, tackling limitations. However, despite initial success, aero development prompted reevaluation. Speaking to Motorsport.com, Cardile said;

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The limitations were mainly on the chassis because the main difference between our car and the Red Bull style car was under the radiator inlet and the pod design, ours was fatter than the Red Bull one.

They utilized this bodywork section to pressurize and manage the tire wake upfront. Uncovering the SF-23’s aerodynamic nuances, Cardile emphasized improving rear load by optimizing flow beneath the radiator inlet. Yet, compensating for tire wake control remains a critical imperative. He explained the benefits of having a ‘fatter’ pod as they:

...Didn't need to design a very 3D shape in the chassis because we put the electronics just below the radiators.

Ferrari Chassis Chief asserts that 2024 will be a “turn page” with a robust platform 

Cardile stressed refining the Side Impact Structure (SIS) for enhanced front floor cleaning. Ferrari’s double wishbone push-rod, considered “overrated” by Cardile, prioritizes aero gains with balanced kinematics. Yet, the SF23 faces tire degradation challenges. Cardile addressed this by saying;

The problem with tyre wear is how the car operates, and how the car operates is absolutely ruled by the aero behaviour of the car. So, everything is down to aero unless the suspension design is massively wrong.
Carlos Sainz's SF23 being wheeled in to the Ferrari garage
Carlos Sainz’s SF23 being wheeled into the Ferrari garage (Credits: F1)

As Ferrari navigated the challenges, their resilience shone through, culminating in a near-runner-up position after starting as the fourth-best car. Looking ahead, Ferrari has set their sights on 2024, aiming not just for peak performance but for a more robust platform.

Cardile stated, “Next year’s car will turn the page,” signifying a comprehensive redesign focused on addressing the limitations faced in the 2023 season. Cardile emphasized maintaining their performance target but acknowledged the necessity for car modifications.  

Red Bull had the best car that suited almost every track on the calendar. However, the second position fluctuated always between Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin. Cardile recognizes Red Bull’s success as attainable through dedicated effort and precise objectives.

Ferrari aspires to rival Red Bull and Max Verstappen in the upcoming season, seeking consistent performance through meticulous effort and precise objectives, akin to Red Bull’s success across diverse conditions.

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