UNITED KINGDOM: Ferrari has faced a challenging start to the 2023 season, struggling to achieve consistent success on the track. With only one podium finish in the first seven races, Charles Leclerc’s third-place finish in Azerbaijan is the team’s sole highlight thus far.
Despite being the second-quickest team in the previous season, Ferrari has found it tough to maintain its position, falling behind Red Bull and facing tough competition from Aston Martin and Mercedes.
During the Spanish Grand Prix, the team unveiled their new upgrade package for the SF-23 car. While Carlos Sainz showcased better single-lap pace with a front-row start, both Mercedes drivers managed to overtake him, demonstrating superior race pace.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya’s high-speed, fast, and flowing corners proved to be a disadvantage for Ferrari’s new design.
Rumours have surfaced regarding a potential technical demand from Ferrari’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, which may have influenced the team’s 2023 design philosophy.
Respected F1 journalist Mark Hughes reported speculations about Vigna insisting on changing a car characteristic due to its impact on Ferrari’s “image.”
The suggestion is that Vigna was dissatisfied with Ferrari’s straight-line speed compared to Red Bull in the previous year, deeming it inappropriate for the brand’s image.
However, these rumours remain unconfirmed, and it is crucial to ensure that technical decisions are not driven solely by image considerations.
The technical concept behind Ferrari’s SF-23 seems to have compromised its performance in fast corners. While the car excelled in this aspect the previous year, the team made a trade-off to enhance straight-line speed.
This strategic shift raised eyebrows when it was initially announced and has garnered further criticism in light of the team’s recent struggles.
Experts anticipate a potential turnaround for Ferrari at the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. With time to analyse their data from the Spanish GP, the team can refine their upgrades and benefit from a track that better suits their strengths.
Montreal’s circuit does not place a high demand on high-speed corners, allowing Ferrari to potentially adjust their suspension settings and regain the impressive low-speed corner performance displayed in previous races such as Baku and Miami.
CEO Benedetto Vigna issued a rallying call to Ferrari’s troops in response to the team’s underwhelming performance.
As the 2023 Formula 1 season progresses, Ferrari finds itself at a critical juncture. With their design philosophy under scrutiny and CEO Benedetto Vigna calling for resilience, the team must regroup and strive for improved performance.
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