Ferrari Tweaks Rear Wing for Jeddah’s Low-Downforce Demands
Ferrari has introduced a new rear-wing specification for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, featuring modifications to the main profile, flap, and beam wing. These changes are specifically tailored to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit,wich demands minimal downforce and maximum aerodynamic efficiency to reduce drag.
Optimizing Ride Height for Jeddah’s Smooth Surface
The rear-wing adjustments are closely linked to the utilization of minimum ride heights. A lower ride height maximizes performance on Jeddah’s smooth surface by increasing load and downforce generated by the low-pressure area under the car, without considerably increasing drag.
Ferrari’s simulations for Jeddah started with the 2024 car’s baseline settings, including ride height and rear-wing configurations. The goal is to optimize air extraction from the diffuser while using minimal chord and beam wings.
Hamilton’s Adaptation Challenges at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton faced difficulties during Friday practice, finishing 13th in FP2, 1.104 seconds behind the leader and seven-tenths behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. This raises questions, considering the track’s characteristics.
Having moved to Ferrari, Hamilton is reportedly struggling to adapt to the engine braking system. Sources indicate the Ferrari system differs significantly from the Mercedes system he used for 12 seasons.
This difference forces Hamilton to adjust his braking style because it is not possible for the team to find a solution to the problem in either vehicle dynamics or aerodynamics. Even changes to the power unit software would only bring a marginal advancement.
While Ferrari could implement extensive software changes, the onus is on Hamilton to adapt his driving style to align with the Ferrari power unit’s characteristics. The goal is to replicate Leclerc’s performance and fully exploit the car’s potential.
How is Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation to the Ferrari engine braking system impacting his performance, and what is preventing a straightforward car adjustment to resolve the issue?
Ferrari Tweaks Rear Wing for Jeddah’s Low-Downforce Demands
Ferrari has introduced a new rear-wing specification for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, featuring modifications to the main profile, flap, and beam wing. These changes are specifically tailored to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit,wich demands minimal downforce and maximum aerodynamic efficiency to reduce drag.
Optimizing Ride Height for Jeddah’s Smooth surface
The rear-wing adjustments are closely linked to the utilization of minimum ride heights. A lower ride height maximizes performance on Jeddah’s smooth surface by increasing load and downforce generated by the low-pressure area under the car, without considerably increasing drag.
Ferrari’s simulations for Jeddah started with the 2024 car’s baseline settings, including ride height and rear-wing configurations. The goal is to optimize air extraction from the diffuser while using minimal chord and beam wings.
Hamilton’s Adaptation Challenges at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton faced difficulties during Friday practice, finishing 13th in FP2, 1.104 seconds behind the leader and seven-tenths behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. This raises questions, considering the track’s characteristics.
Having moved to Ferrari, Hamilton is reportedly struggling to adapt to the engine braking system. Sources indicate the Ferrari system differs considerably from the Mercedes system he used for 12 seasons.
This difference forces Hamilton to adjust his braking style because it is not possible for the team to find a solution to the problem in either vehicle dynamics or aerodynamics. even changes to the power unit software would only bring a marginal advancement.
While Ferrari could implement extensive software changes, the onus is on Hamilton to adapt his driving style to align with the Ferrari power unit’s characteristics. The goal is to replicate Leclerc’s performance and fully exploit the car’s potential.
Q&A: Ferrari’s Jeddah Strategy & Hamilton’s Adaptation
1. Why does Ferrari change the rear wing for Jeddah?
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a high-speed track with long straights.Ferrari modifies the rear wing to reduce drag and maximize aerodynamic efficiency, prioritizing speed over downforce. Think of it like switching to a smaller spoiler on your road car for better highway fuel economy.
2. How does a lower ride height help?
Jeddah’s smooth surface allows Ferrari to run the car lower. This creates more downforce through ground effect (the low-pressure area under the car) without significantly increasing drag. It’s like the car is “sucking” itself to the track for better grip in corners.
3. What’s the issue with hamilton and the Ferrari engine braking?
Engine braking differs between Mercedes and Ferrari. Hamilton must adjust his braking technique to suit the Ferrari’s power unit characteristics. It’s like switching from automatic to manual transmission—it takes time to get used to the different feel.
4. Can’t Ferrari just change the car to suit Hamilton?
While Ferrari can tweak things, the core issue is Hamilton’s driving style. Significant software changes would be a band-aid. The focus is on Hamilton adapting his braking style to maximize the car’s performance, mirroring Leclerc’s lap times.
5. What is the Jeddah Corniche Circuit notorious for?
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is known for its high speeds and risk of incidents as of the close walls. It is indeed the fastest street circuit on the Formula 1 calendar, with average speeds exceeding 250 km/h (155 mph).
As Hamilton adapts, the potential of Ferrari’s Jeddah setup will become clearer. keep an eye on the race to see if he masters the engine braking and unlocks the car’s full potential!
