Ferrari to Bring First Major Upgrades to SF-24 for Imola Grand Prix
Ferrari fans, get ready for some exciting news. The iconic racing team is set to unveil the first of three planned major upgrades for their SF-24 car at the Imola Grand Prix next week. This comes as the F1 circuit heads to Italy for the first time in 2024, making it a special occasion for Ferrari and their home fans.
The upgrades were initially planned for the Miami Grand Prix, but the team opted to use their own test track in Fiorano for their second and final filming session. This will allow the team to reduce the calibration work needed at Imola and give their new upgrades a proper run-in.
With the tight competition in the F1 circuit, every small advantage counts. And Ferrari is leaving no stone unturned, utilizing both their virtual counterparts and real-life data from the test track to fine-tune their upgrades. This has been made possible by the hard work of the Enrico Cardile-led technical team at the wind tunnel.
And it’s not just about performance, as the filming day will also see the SF-24 showcasing its updated livery with the addition of the blue HP logos. The American tech giant joined the team as a title sponsor, adding their well-known blue logos to the engine cover and both the front and rear wings.
However, the focus won’t just be on the main drivers at the filming day, as third driver Oliver Bearman is also expected to get some mileage. This is to help him prepare for his first FP1 session of the season in Imola, where he will step into the Haas VF-24 car.
But don’t get too carried away, as team boss Fred Vasseur has downplayed expectations from these upgrades. He stated that they may not be a “game-changer,” but in such a close competition, even a modest improvement can make a significant difference. The team is currently locked in a tight battle with the upgraded McLarens, and every tenth of a second counts.
In an interview, Vasseur said, “We don’t have to expect that it will be a game-changer, but it’s so tight that this can bring performance.” He also emphasized the importance of on-track performance and the role it plays in the team’s overall success.
While it may seem like a coincidence that the upgrades are happening for the team’s first home race of the season, Vasseur clarified it was not a deliberate decision. However, being closer to their factory has allowed them to release the parts a bit later, but the timing was not influenced by the location.
Kosport Magazine’s Take: The Imola Grand Prix will be a crucial race for Ferrari and their fans. Not only will it be the team’s first home race of the season, but it will also see the first major upgrades for their SF-24 car. While the team is not expecting a complete game-changer, every small advantage counts in the tightly contested F1 competition. And with the help of their new title sponsor, HP, Ferrari will be ready to give their all on the track.
