F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ferrari perseveres with new floor in Hungary, but with changes

Ferrari arrives at the Hungarian Grand Prix with a modified version of their controversial floor upgrade, determined to conquer the high-speed bouncing that plagued the SF-24 in recent races.

The Scuderia's introduced a heavily revised floor in Barcelona last month as part of a significant upgrade package on its car.

While the new design delivered the desired downforce increase, it came at a cost, with the bouncing aero phenomenon returning a vengeance, shaking driver confidence and hindering the performance of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

At the British GP, after testing both versions in practice, Ferrari opted for a backward step, reverting to the previous floor introduced at Imola. This decision bought the team time to analyze the issue back at the factory.

According to Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, the thorough analysis suggests the design holds significant performance potential, making it worth the effort to overcome the bouncing problem.

“The week’s break prior to Hungary has allowed us to take an in-depth look at all the data from the past three races,” explained Vasseur ahead of this weekend’s race at the Hungaroring.

“We found that our latest upgrade package did indeed bring the expected benefits in terms of aero points. However, it also had side effects that meant the car was actually more difficult to drive.

“We have worked hard in the factory and so, in Budapest, we will bring an evolution of the floor which we reckon will give the drivers a car that will allow them to drive to the best of their abilities.”

Vasseur emphasized the importance of Leclerc and Sainz feeling confident and comfortable pushing the car to the limit, especially in qualifying.

“This season, we are fighting to the nearest hundredths of a second and so Charles and Carlos must be able to give of their best and have confidence in the car if they are to get the best possible results in the race, but even more importantly, in qualifying when they need to push the car right to the limit.

“I am confident the package we bring to the Hungaroring will allow us to be frontrunners.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

5 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

6 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

8 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

9 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

10 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

11 hours ago