Ferrari seeks to continue their Singapore GP form in Suzuka with a major floor upgrade

Ferrari ended Red Bull's ruthless domination of 15-race win streak.

Ferrari seeks to continue their Singapore GP form in Suzuka with a major floor upgrade

Fred Vasseur with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari garage. (Credits: IMAGO)

Ferrari, basking in Singapore glory, is all revved up and ready to continue their newfound form at the Suzuka Circuit. Their stunning victory in the Lion City, helped along by George Russell‘s last-lap mishap, has propelled the Scuderia to within a tantalizing 14 points of Mercedes in the constructor standings.

The Singapore Grand Prix served as a pivotal moment for Ferrari. The team’s principal, Fred Vasseur, has promised a substantial performance boost, aiming to shave off at least four-tenths of a second by the end of October. The graph of their fortunes has undergone a dramatic shift since the summer hiatus. With two pole positions in the last three races and a momentous win, all by the courtesy of Carlos Sainz, Ferrari’s resurgence is undeniable.

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As the Formula 1 circus descends upon Suzuka, the Prancing Horse is set to unleash a major upgrade – a new floor that promises to elevate their performance to even greater heights, as reported by Formu1a.uno. This modification is aimed squarely at enhancing the car’s aerodynamics and handling, crucial for the high-speed demands of the Japanese circuit.

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Suzuka, with its legendary figure-eight layout, presents a unique challenge. While it’s known for being front-limited, it also demands precise rear-end management, impeccable traction, and control of understeer during entry. Ferrari’s new floor aims to address these intricacies, providing their drivers with the tools to conquer the demanding circuit.

Also read: Charles Leclerc claims the post-Dutch GP upgrades have made SF-23 ‘far from his preferences’

Ferrari aims to take on Mercedes for the runner-up spot

Ferrari’s Singapore triumph was not just a fluke. It showcased the team’s newfound form and their ability to capitalize on opportunities. As the dust settled on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, the Italian outfit made a bold statement, signaling their intent to challenge Mercedes for the coveted second spot behind the Red Bull.

Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton at the Singapore GP.
Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton at the Singapore GP (Credits: AFP)

In Singapore, Red Bull had a tough weekend due to setup issues. The team had to abandon a planned floor upgrade mid-way through the weekend. They focused on fine-tuning the job at hand. Some thought the new TD19 might have hampered their pace. But it was mostly about getting the setup right.

After a disappointing Marina Bay race, Max Verstappen wittily said, “We must win Suzuka with a 20-second lead.” Ferrari faces a tough challenge. Red Bull needs just one more point than Mercedes and must prevent Ferrari from gaining 24 points to secure their second Suzuka title.

While Red Bull leads, Ferrari’s resurgence adds to the excitement of the upcoming Japanese GP. Their major car upgrade at Suzuka boosts their chances in the team rankings. But as things stand, Red Bull is likely to clinch both titles. However, the battle for second place is a four-horse race right now.

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