- The Ferrari SF-24 has unique features including a sharp fin on the engine cover.
- Ferrari is experimenting with TV camera housing mounts, and a novel design around the Halo, showcasing Ferrari’s commitment to pushing aerodynamic boundaries.
- The team’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in cooling louvres, outlets, and other elements, reinforcing Ferrari’s dedication to both performance and aesthetics in their pursuit of Formula 1 excellence.
Ferrari Aims to Make a Strong Comeback in 2024
After signing Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari is keen to make an impressive comeback in Formula 1. F1 technical analyst Sam Collins has recently shed light on the Ferrari’s SF-24, revealing elements that, in his words, are “something nobody’s done before.” As the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain witnesses intense pre-season testing, much attention has been directed towards the controversy surrounding Mercedes’ legality wire front wing and Red Bull’s intriguing shark bite inlets. Yet, Ferrari has quietly entered the scene with its own set of unconventional design choices, particularly in the engine cover and Halo components, areas that seem to be untouched by other teams.
The Unique Features of the Ferrari SF-24
The Ferrari SF-24 boasts a chassis crafted from a cutting-edge carbon fibre composite honeycomb, providing both strength and lightweight characteristics crucial for optimal performance. The inclusion of the Halo protection system around the cockpit reinforces safety standards in the car. The longitudinal Ferrari gearbox, equipped with 8 forward gears and reverse functionality, ensures seamless transmission for enhanced speed control. Adding to its precision, the SF-24 features a hydraulically controlled rear differential. The braking system, composed of Brembo ventilated carbon discs at the front and rear, includes electronically controlled rear brakes, contributing to efficient and responsive braking performance. The car’s suspension system is meticulously designed, featuring a push-rod front suspension and pull-rod rear suspension for improved handling and stability. With a total weight of 798 kg, inclusive of coolant, oil, and driver, the SF-24 strikes a balance between power and weight. Rolling on 18″ front and rear wheels, coupled with bodywork and a seat constructed from carbon fibre, the Ferrari SF-24 represents a harmonious blend of advanced engineering and aerodynamic finesse in the world of Formula 1.
One distinctive feature catching the eye is the sharp fin on Ferrari’s engine cover, a design element that Collins describes as part of Ferrari’s ongoing experimentation. According to him, Ferrari has been playing with the mounts around the TV camera housings, showcasing a subtle kink as they emerge from the bodywork—a distinctive approach not replicated by any other team.
Ferrari’s innovative approach involves a captivating design element where a section just at the back of the Halo features a downward kink, seamlessly blending into the surrounding bodywork. The new design is a novel and unprecedented development in Formula 1, offering a glimpse into Ferrari’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of aerodynamic design.
While the Halo itself is a robust titanium structure primarily serving a safety purpose, Ferrari’s meticulous attention to detail in the wake of its form gives rise to a design that is both functional and visually striking. The unique kink at the bottom of the Halo not only adds a touch of elegance but also contributes significantly to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.
In addition to these innovations, Ferrari has incorporated a “little cooling louvre” on the engine cover bodywork, showcasing their commitment to refining every aspect of their design. This cooling feature, coupled with another added later in the day, serves a vital role in managing the car’s temperature dynamics. Collins acknowledges Ferrari’s consistency in this regard, highlighting the continuation of a similar design element from the previous year.
Will the Ferrari FS-24 Be Competitive?
Ferrari’s commitment to aerodynamic excellence is further underscored by another “neat little cooling outlet” that efficiently releases hot air from underneath the bodywork. This design, carried over from the previous year’s car, is a testament to Ferrari’s meticulous approach to refining successful elements while introducing novel innovations.
As the Formula 1 landscape witnesses these unconventional design choices from Ferrari, it is evident that the team is not merely chasing performance but is focused on crafting a car that stands out in terms of both functionality and aesthetics as well as compete at the top of Formula 1. The intricate details incorporated into the SF-24 reveal a dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of Formula 1 engineering.
In the dynamic world of motorsports, where every fraction of a second counts, Ferrari’s pursuit of unprecedented design elements signals a commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation. As the SF-24 continues to undergo testing and refinements, the Formula 1 community eagerly awaits the on-track performance that these groundbreaking design choices might unlock for Ferrari in the upcoming season.
