Ferrari’s balance sheet in 2023: for better and for worse

The times had been very tough for Ferrari a few years ago: a 2019 season wrapped in a secret agreement, a historically disastrous 2020 campaign, a not much better 2021 year, and a 2022 season where hopes of a title have (temporarily) resurfaced.

The new regulations had held some promises for tightening the pack. At least in 2022. Because this year, the gap created by Red Bull with the competition made the performances of the other teams pale in comparison. Including those of the Scuderia, which was nevertheless the only one to prevent the Austrian team from achieving a 100% victory rate. Did the Frédéric Vasseur effect take longer to take effect?

Car performance

The most simplistic speeches will argue that if Red Bull is far ahead, it’s because the other teams missed the mark. It is understandable for the SF1000 of 2020, which turned out to be a complete wagon.

But as far as the SF-23 is concerned, to say it was a failed single-seater is false. Granted, it didn’t have the capabilities to compete with Red Bull. But the power of the Italian cavalry was quite satisfying, especially at Monza, and the car was a real fighter jet in qualifying.

It is enough to look at the numbers: seven pole positions have been achieved by Maranello, including five by Charles Leclerc and two by Carlos Sainz. The car has had its ups and downs depending on the circuits, but was often a contender for the top positions.

But the direction of the Reds has shifted towards a car with relatively little downforce. The 2022 regulations, favoring ground effect, have in no way prevented teams from worrying about the aerodynamic load on the single-seaters.

And this design made the Ferrari a very fast car on a single lap, but mostly a tire killer during races. The pace over long distances was much lower than that of Red Bull, logically, and as a result, it was being overtaken by McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin depending on the circuits.

There was no coincidence: Ferrari was comfortable on high-speed tracks such as Baku, Monza, or Las Vegas. But things were not going as well in Monaco or the Hungaroring. The next creation from Maranello will have to make some additional concessions for the versatility of the (possibly) SF-24.

Reliability

Another proof that the SF-23 is not such a poorly crafted car is that the cars experienced very few mechanical hiccups during the races. However, when it did happen, it was not pretending.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have only experienced two retirements each due to mechanical issues. The most notable ones were Sainz’s non-start in Qatar and Leclerc’s retirement on the warm-up lap in Brazil.

The real troubles, on the other hand, were the driver errors and the bizarre whims of the Italian strategists…

Optimization of the strategy

That’s indeed the issue with the Scuderia: it is capable of producing the greatest masterpieces as well as the most flamboyant antics.

Very often Charles Leclerc has been the unlucky hero of a bad tire choice, even though he was having a good day. It was the same in Singapore: instead of securing a one-two finish within their reach, the Ferrari team decided to equip Sainz with the most durable tires and turn Leclerc into a temporary shield.

But be that as it may, Singapore was the work of Ferrari and Carlos Sainz: a race without any mistakes from start to finish, and a final lap under pressure with three furious drivers chasing them. Frédéric Vasseur’s tears after the Spanish driver’s victory spoke volumes.

However, the award for amateurism was given to them in Zandvoort: this circuit where Ferrari made the same mistake again as in 2022, which is not having tires ready for their drivers while it’s raining.

Finally, the SF-23 was a reflection of strategic management: one day magical, the next day in disarray. And it is on this balance that we will have to work. And while we’re at it, why not do everything perfectly, like at Red Bull?

Duels between teammates

Qualifications – Leclerc: 14; Sainz: 8

Race – Leclerc: 12; Sainz: 10

There is nothing illogical about Charles Leclerc overtaking his Spanish teammate in the championship. The latter, despite his victory in Singapore, has not had such a consistent season, despite some impressive performances.

Both drivers are more or less equal, which forms a good duo for a Scuderia in need of success. Charles Leclerc is often an excellent student in qualifying exercises, whereas Carlos Sainz tends to stumble a bit less in races. Who knows if Charles Leclerc could have hit the jackpot in Vegas without his mistake.

The duel between teammates has its stake, but the primary interest of the drivers is to bring Ferrari up to par with Red Bull. This is provided that they no longer make as many mistakes, due to excessive enthusiasm or pressure.