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The Ferrari SF-23 Barcelona update Leclerc chose not to run

Ferrari were the latest Formula 1 frontrunner to turn heads with a revised car concept but, as RacingNews365 technical expert Paolo Filisetti explains, not every part of the updated SF-23 made it to the race.

Ferrari brought to Barcelona the long-awaited extensive package of modifications. the contents of which we have been anticipating for some time. These, in reality, have only been partially rolled out. In fact, the rear suspension is not included in the current package, and it seems to have been quashed by Leclerc himself during the testing phase over the course of the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. It therefore seems obvious that we will most likely not see this element among subsequent developments. Regarding the changes that did stay on the car, the sidepods are the standout evolution, and they are now characterised by a sloping rear profile that follows that of the RB19, along with a different arrangement and drastic reduction of the heat dissipation louvres, which were a distinguishable feature of the previous version. In fact, the large "basin" that characterised the upper profile of the previous version has now been reduced to a narrow channel, inside which the bypass duct and the front horizontal slots, reduced in size, vent.

The work of narrowing the lower profile of the sidepods is very relevant, and points to another Red Bull concept. Ferrari have attempted to increase the effectiveness of the diffuser by trying to direct more air to that area through a reprofiled channel. In the front part of the floor, the leading edge has been totally modified, as has the side profile, which includes an expanding profile equipped with flow diverters, to direct the turbulence outwards. The rear portion of the floor and the positioning of the stiffening rod in front of the rear wheels is also completely different. Alongside these changes, the front wing also has a new profile, and the beam wing of the rear wing has also evolved. These are innovations with a primary objective to guarantee a better balance to increase capability of preserving the tyres and drastically reduce their degradation in the race.

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