Ferrari is poised for a significant transformation with the SF-24, heralding a shift in design philosophy that focuses on the sidepod and engine cover bodywork. This redesign aims to elevate Ferrari’s competitiveness against Red Bull and respond to McLaren’s recent surge, showcased by their impressive showing at the Miami Grand Prix. Initially embracing an underbite sidepod inlet configuration, Ferrari has now adopted an overbite design similar to Red Bull's approach for the 2024 Formula 1 season. Notably, Ferrari's version features a larger horizontal inlet, distinguishing it from Red Bull's more compact design. This integration also involves merging the vertical bypass duct next to the chassis with the main inlet, creating a unified, larger inlet reminiscent of this year’s models from Alpine and Mercedes.
The removal of the bypass duct’s outlet beside the rear leg of the halo has necessitated a redesign of the adjacent winglet, now sporting a cobra-shaped vane. While Ferrari might have introduced these components gradually in China and Miami, the team is cautious about the sprint weekend format and limited testing opportunities. Opting to debut the entire update package at Imola allows Ferrari to fully evaluate and understand the modifications' impact.
This strategic update is expected to be a game-changer for Ferrari in the upcoming phases of the season, provided there's a strong correlation between the real-world performance and simulation predictions. The anticipation was palpable during Friday's testing day at the Fiorano circuit, where the Maranello team tested the SF-24, equipped with the first major aerodynamic package set to officially debut at the next round of the 2024 Formula 1 championship—the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
When initially unveiled last February, the SF-24 didn’t surprise with overly aggressive technical solutions but instead, presented a solid, well-thought-out car philosophy. The design focused on a full downwash concept, simpler but not necessarily slower, marking Ferrari’s first use of this aerodynamic approach, unlike Red Bull’s longer-standing adoption. The track results have validated the technical office's choices, directed by Italian aerodynamicist and Technical Director Enrico Cardile.
With the introduction of the first evolution package, Scuderia Ferrari is not attempting to revolutionize or directly mimic its competitors but instead is elevating the aggressiveness of its development and solutions. The SF-24 has proven its mettle on the track, contending vigorously for race victories even with a pre-update car at the Miami Grand Prix. However, with Red Bull planning updates for the Imola circuit, Ferrari is keen to enhance the SF-24 with aerodynamic updates to tap into further potential, following the complete understanding of the initial Launch Spec package, as noted by F1 journalists Piergiuseppe Donadoni and Giuliano Duchessa.
The Fiorano circuit's 200-kilometer filming day offered a closer look at the anticipated innovations, particularly between the car's middle and rear sections. The new sidepods, echoing Red Bull's design but distinctly integrating elements from Mercedes and especially Alpine, aim to increase the lower undercut while optimizing airflow over the floor—an area critical for the car’s aerodynamics.
Overall, the modifications to the SF-24 not only seek to enhance efficiency and reduce drag but also strategically bolster the car's rear assembly, including the rear wing elements. The aerodynamic overhaul, especially above the floor, coupled with the newly styled side mirror wing profile and Halo wing, distinctly reshapes Ferrari’s competitive edge in the Formula 1 circuit.
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