Crucial Ferrari upgrade explained in pursuit of needed performance

Ferrari has introduced a long-planned aerodynamic upgrade at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, a modification which started to be designed just four races into the season. 

Following the opening four rounds, problems quickly emerged with the Ferrari's SF-25 which highlighted the vulnerable areas of the car. It is an extreme version of the Italian outfit's 2024 challenger, partly due to the use of the pull rod suspension at the front instead of the push rod.

The extreme concept also raised concerns with the tuning of the car's set-up, specifically regarding the height of the base plate. Ferrari chose to obtain maximum aerodynamic performance from the downforce generated under the car. 

However, that advantage immediately collided with a deficiency in the rear suspension, which failed to adequately accommodate it. As a result, the car brushed heavily against the asphalt, causing excessive wear of the floorboard. 

It was this which saw Charles Leclerc disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix and has led to Ferrari having such small set-up windows and an unstable aerodynamic platform.

Clearly, change was required by Ferrari, with some performance having been sacrificed in an attempt to improve consistency. Despite this, getting the SF-25 into the right operating window has remained a significant challenge, causing problems for both Lewis Hamilton and Leclerc. 

The goal of Ferrari's technical squad and team principal Fred Vasseur is to have a car with a wider range of set-up options, something which has rarely been experienced this campaign. In a bid to overcome this, a new floor has been introduced at the Red Bull Ring by the Scuderia. 

Ferrari's new floor is only one aspect of the SF-25's transformation. The DNA of the car cannot be changed by such an evolution, but the purpose of the upgrade is to provide more stability in terms of aerodynamics. In theory, the car should become more predictable in the corners. 

At Red Bull's home circuit this weekend, traction is particularly important, which also increases the importance of good tyre management. This, thanks in part to the hot weather conditions, could be a determining factor in race pace. 

For Ferrari, the new floor is not necessarily about a complete solution to its problems, but rather progress on a track that fits its chosen development direction.

Red Bull and McLaren upgrades

As for Red Bull, that team has made a change to the floor edge near the rear wheels. 

A fin has been added with the function of controlling airflow at that part of the floor.

 It looks like the only upgrade, but it is part of other micro changes to the floor. Once again, however, Red Bull has not reported that, as the changes are invisible.

McLaren has also introduced an interesting development. The shape and geometry of the rear suspension has been changed, which has also changed the position of the track rod. 

This is an intervention that can be compared to an upgrade at the front two races ago. 

The interventions should ensure that the tyres wear less and work well in a wider operating window. This is thanks to a different dynamic response of the suspension.