Ferrari Seeks Additional Data to Confirm Effectiveness of Porpoising Solution

Ferrari's quest for answers regarding its latest floor upgrades and their impact on the 2024 Formula 1 season remains ongoing. The Italian team is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to test these improvements on higher-downforce circuits to determine if they have truly turned their season around. The recent upgrades, introduced at the Monza Grand Prix, showed promise but left the team cautiously optimistic about their long-term effectiveness.

The Monza Upgrade: A Glimmer of Hope

At the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Ferrari unveiled its latest floor specification, which appeared to work as intended. The team's performance was notably improved, with Charles Leclerc securing an emotional victory on home soil. However, team boss Fred Vasseur emphasized the difficulty in assessing the upgrade's full impact on a unique track like Monza, given its distinct configuration compared to other circuits on the calendar.

The Challenge of Evaluation

The true test of Ferrari's new floor design lies in its ability to eliminate high-speed bouncing on tracks with longer and faster high-downforce corners. Unfortunately, the upcoming street circuits in Baku and Singapore don't offer the ideal conditions for this evaluation. As a result, the team will have to wait until the US Grand Prix in Austin, scheduled for mid-October, to gain a more definitive understanding of the upgrade's effectiveness.

Driver Perspectives

Carlos Sainz, who finished fourth at Monza, expressed uncertainty about the upgrade's long-term impact. He stressed the need for more data from "normal" tracks to determine whether Ferrari can consistently fight for wins or if they'll revert to their previous form. Similarly, Charles Leclerc remained cautious, believing that while the upgrade has brought them closer to McLaren, they still trail behind both McLaren and Red Bull on more downforce-dependent layouts.

Looking Ahead

As Ferrari continues to develop its 2024 challenger, the team acknowledges that further improvements are necessary to compete at the highest level consistently. The upcoming races in Baku and Singapore, with their unique characteristics, may not provide the clarity the team seeks. However, these events could offer valuable insights into the car's performance in specific conditions. The real test will come at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, where Ferrari hopes to gain a clearer picture of its progress and competitive standing for the remainder of the season.