Ferrari aims for a comeback in Hungary, deploying crucial updates to boost performance and driver confidence.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s director, hopes his team will return to the forefront at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. The Frenchman explains that upgrades to the SF-24, along with work done since Silverstone, give hope for better performances for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
“The week off before Hungary allowed us to thoroughly examine all the data from the last three races,” notes Vasseur. “We observed that our latest evolution program indeed delivered the anticipated aerodynamic benefits.”
“However, it also had side effects that made the car more challenging to drive. We have worked hard at the factory, and in Budapest, we will introduce a floor evolution that, we believe, will provide the drivers with a car that allows them to perform to the best of their abilities.”
“This season, we are fighting down to the hundredth of a second, and therefore Charles and Carlos need to be able to give their best and have confidence in the car if they want to achieve the best possible results in the race, but especially in qualifications, when they must push the car to its limits. I am convinced that the package we are bringing to the Hungaroring will allow us to be at the forefront.”
“A karting track” in Hungary
Carlos Sainz’s race engineer, Riccardo Adami, explains the challenges of the Hungaroring: “It features many low-speed turns and very few straights. Generally, cars are set up in high-downforce configuration, even though it increases drag.”
“Among the permanent circuits on the calendar, it has the lowest average speed per lap. A car must have excellent traction but also a very responsive front end in mid-corner to take the best line.”
“High ambient temperatures and short straights strain the car’s cooling system, which significantly affects the drivers who must handle a rapid succession of turns in the central part, almost resembling a karting track.”
“Overtaking is challenging, so focus is essential on qualifications and race pace. The weather conditions, typical for this time of year, pose an additional challenge for the weekend, with the possibility of a summer storm.”
“Evaluating each situation” to assist the drivers
The Italian describes his role as a race engineer, particularly his relationship with his driver, and what he can do to assist. His job involves bridging the communication between the Spanish driver and other engineers managing car number 55.
“It’s crucial to maintain open communication with the driver so he can fully express how he feels in the car and convey this information, considering the ever-changing circumstances and conditions. Each driver is different, and my experience has taught me to evaluate each situation to help them perform at their best.”
The situation was more challenging when Oliver Bearman replaced Sainz at Jeddah: “For instance, with Oliver, we had very limited time available, and it was crucial to provide him with the right information so he could handle the qualifications and race. However, over a season, it’s possible to develop and grow the affinity between the driver and the team.”
Adami continues to enjoy his profession and loves the feeling of winning and succeeding over a weekend. The adrenaline is, of course, present, but it’s a daily occurrence for any Formula 1 team.
“I’ve been in this profession for a long time, and I still relish the feelings experienced during a race weekend, especially when we perform well. The season is long, and managing the stress that can arise is sometimes complex. But it’s my passion, and I am proud to be a part of Scuderia Ferrari.”
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Ferrari’s Hungary Game: Fixes in Place for GP? Ferrari’s Hungary Game: Fixes in Place for GP?
