Ferrari seeks improved performance at Austrian GP
Ferrari aims for improved performance at the Austrian Grand Prix after struggling in Spain. The team expects the Red Bull Ring's layout to better suit their car, with a focus on optimizing tyre performance in qualifying.
Following a challenging Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari is looking to bounce back at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
The team's performance in Barcelona highlighted specific weaknesses, but both drivers and management remain optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming race weekend.
Spanish Grand Prix analysis
At the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Ferrari found itself fourth in the pecking order behind Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes.
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc qualified on the third row and maintained their positions throughout the race, unable to challenge the Mercedes duo ahead despite employing split tyre strategies.
Car performance and track characteristics
Carlos Sainz identified the nature of Barcelona's layout as particularly punishing for Ferrari's current weaknesses. He stated,
"It's the high-speed nature of the track and the long, combined [corners], we seem to be always struggling when it's long corners like China, here or Suzuka."
The Spanish driver expects a more competitive showing in Austria, noting,
"I remember Austria not being an issue for track characteristics, so I think we will be more competitive because of the corner types."
Team perspective
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur cautioned against drawing long-term conclusions from the Barcelona result.
He emphasized the fluctuating nature of the current Formula 1 pecking order, pointing out that
"in the last four weekends you have four different teams doing pole position."
Vasseur attributes these changes to various factors, including track layout, tyre compounds, and temperature windows, rather than significant car alterations.
He stressed the importance of a race-by-race approach, stating,
"Nothing is forever in F1 today and it means it is not crystal clear that one team is better than the other."
Technical focus for improvement
The team has identified qualifying performance as a key area for improvement. Vasseur explained,
"The most important thing in Barcelona is to keep the potential of the tyres all over the lap in different corners. Probably we missed something on this because we were two tenths off."
Ferrari's technical team will be working to optimize the SF-24's performance in maintaining consistent tyre performance throughout a single lap, which could be crucial for securing better grid positions.
Looking ahead to Austria
As the Formula 1 circus moves to the Red Bull Ring, Ferrari remains cautiously optimistic.
The different track characteristics, including corner types and tarmac, could play to the strengths of the SF-24.
With the compressed nature of the Sprint race weekend format, the team will need to quickly adapt and find the optimal setup for both short and long-run performance.
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