Thursday Engineers is born, the new technical in-depth video podcast from FormulaPassion curated by Federico Albano and Carlo Platella. In the first episode, the focus is mainly on Ferrari, called to recover a significant gap from Mercedes. It is a delay that stems from the engine, but not only, with the Prancing Horse showing room for improvement also in aerodynamics, tires, energy management, and driver preparation. The eventual recovery of the Maranello Scuderia will also depend on possible changes to the technical regulations, which could influence the balance of power.
Ferrari’s delay
Ferrari pays for a lack of horsepower compared to the Mercedes power unit, which is difficult to bridge in the short term. While for engine updates the Prancing Horse will have to wait for the ADUO’s decision, already in Miami, however, it could gain ground on the energy management front. The delivery strategies of the SF-26 have shown some flaws, especially in adapting to various conditions and in the early stages of the race. Improving battery exploitation will also be the responsibility of the drivers, who have not yet managed to adapt their driving style to the requirements of the new regulations.
The good news for Ferrari comes from the chassis. The SF-26 already expresses good aerodynamic downforce, lacking if anything stability at mid-corner. On the other hand, it is still too early to evaluate the quality of the concepts of individual cars, not having had the opportunity to judge their development potential. The updates arriving in Miami will give the first indications in this regard, especially for McLaren. The world champions represent an opponent to be feared in Maranello, having followed an unconventional approach compared to the other top teams.
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The regulations variable
In any case, the evolution of the hierarchies on track will also depend on any changes to the technical regulations. For example, if the FIA managed to bring qualifying back to a situation similar to last year, allowing drivers to push without too many second thoughts about energy management, then the strengths and limitations of the various cars would emerge more clearly. It will be up to Ferrari to be ready and know how to react to every change, to keep alive the hopes of a comeback that cannot simply pass through the development of the power unit.
