Ferrari F1 is said to reach its weight target with a new generation F1 machine that is struggling to reduce the weight of the 2023 F1 machine.
As part of an optimization process carried out over the winter, Ferrari F1 has focused on key areas of improvement where it believes it can increase its potential for the new season.
The first is aerodynamics, with the team further refining the revolutionary ‘scoop’ sidepods with sculpted tops to better manage airflow, both improving downforce and reducing drag. .
In addition, Ferrari is also aiming to reduce the weight of the 2023 F1 car. In fact, the goal is to stay below the 796kg limit, which will allow us to add ballast to the car to improve balance and optimize tire behavior.
Ferrari is due to launch its 2023 F1 car, which is being developed under the codename 675, on February 14, but the concept passed crash tests some time ago and pre-assembly work is already underway.
Weight reduction has been a core effort at rivals Red Bull and Mercedes for 2022. Almost all the teams struggled to control the increase in weight brought regarding by the expansion to 18-inch tires on the new-generation machines and the strengthening of the side impact.
Red Bull made great progress throughout the season and took a step forward in a way that contributed to their subsequent dominance, but neither Red Bull nor Mercedes were able to shed the weight they wanted.
Instead, its efforts have focused on its 2023 F1 car, with rumors swirling at the end of last season that Red Bull had already homologated a new lightweight chassis weighing around 3kg under the championship-winning RB18.
Sources say Ferrari have made considerable progress in this area as well, which should help both lap-time performance and, more importantly, tire life. Placing ballast in the right area improves balance and is an important factor in reducing degradation.
Ferrari is trying to cut weight wherever possible and the success of its efforts will not be clearly known until the new F1 car is fully assembled.
“Answers will only be found when F1 cars are put on the scales,” said an insider.
La Gazzetta dello Sport also reports that Ferrari’s 2023 F1 car will be narrower due to a “significantly different aerodynamic concept”. However, it claims to be an evolution rather than a revolution of the F1-75.
Furthermore, it is believed that a further 30 horsepower will be available from the F1 power unit thanks to improved reliability and a new gearbox “that can make the car more competitive”.
Early signs appear to be positive, which is welcome news for new team principal Frédéric Vasseur, who will officially begin his role next week.
Category: F1 / Ferrari / F1 machine
