Ferrari’s SF-24 car will get the first of its three planned upgrades next week during the F1 race in Italy. They’ve used their second and final filming day at their Fiorano test track to test these upgrades.
These filming days have restrictions, but they still give Ferrari useful data. They can compare the upgrades to what they’ve tested in virtual simulations and in the wind tunnel. During the filming, they’ll also get video footage of the SF-24 with its updated livery featuring the blue HP logos.
At the Miami Grand Prix, HP became a title sponsor for Ferrari. They added their blue logos to the car’s engine cover and wings. Ferrari’s third driver, Oliver Bearman, will also get some track time to prepare for his first practice session in Imola, where he’ll drive the Haas VF-24.
Ferrari’s team boss, Fred Vasseur, doesn’t think the upgrades will be a huge change, but even a small improvement could make a difference in the close competition with McLaren. He said, “We don’t have to expect that it will be a game-changer, but it’s so tight that this can bring performance.”
Vasseur also emphasized that success isn’t just about upgrades. It’s also about how well the team and drivers perform during the race weekend.
The timing of Ferrari’s first upgrade coincides with their home race in Italy, but Vasseur clarified that this wasn’t intentional. He said, “The fact that Imola is close to the factory is helping us bring something because we can release the parts a bit later.”
