Formula 1 resumes this weekend at Zandvoort, where Ferrari intends to be immediately in rhythm after the summer break for this last Grand Prix held on the Dutch track.
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The Scuderia approaches the weekend in second position in the Constructors’ Championship, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc occupy the second and fourth places respectively among the drivers.
On the 4.259 km of Zandvoort, overtaking opportunities remain limited. The fast corners, the narrowness of the track, and its famous banked curves therefore make qualifying particularly important.
A Sprint that leaves little time for Ferrari
The presence of the Sprint format will further complicate the teams’ task since only one free practice session will be available before the Sprint qualifying.
Frédéric Vasseur therefore insists on the necessity to arrive in the Netherlands with an almost completed preparation: “We expect a very tight competition. With only one free practice session before the Sprint qualifying, preparation is crucial. Zandvoort is demanding both for the drivers and the cars, and our goal will be to maximize every opportunity”, explains the head of Ferrari.
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A constraint all the more important as the Scuderia will have several technical novelties to evaluate.
Developments for the SF-26
Ferrari will indeed take advantage of Zandvoort to evolve the floor of its SF-26, with the objective of improving its aerodynamic efficiency and the management of lateral flows. The modifications notably concern the front channel inlet as well as the rear part of the diffuser. Ferrari would, however, maintain a more cautious approach on the outer edge located near the rear wheels.
The single-seater will also receive a high downforce rear wing derived from the configuration used at the Hungaroring. This has been adapted to the characteristics of Zandvoort, a circuit requiring a medium to high level of downforce. The combination of this evolved floor and the new rear aerodynamic package should allow Ferrari to measure the downforce gains from the single free practice session.
With extremely limited running time before the start of competitive sessions, Hamilton and Leclerc will have to quickly find the right balance. In a particularly tight field, a few tenths lost during this preparation phase could weigh heavily over the entire weekend, not to mention the weather playing spoilsport.
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