Two trips to the race track on the final day of Formula 1 pre-season testing confirmed that Red Bull has an advantage going into the season. However, another team also made a strong impression.
The Ferrari passed the visual test with flying colors. Throughout the day, and especially in the cooler evening conditions, it displayed a poise that explains why drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are so enthusiastic about this test compared to last year.
Watching from the outside of Turn 10 allows you to see the cars enter through Turn 9 as well, providing a full view of the challenging left-hand corners and how the cars handle them.
Turns 9 and 10 are particularly difficult corners, making it a good opportunity to judge a car’s performance. The car approaches Turn 9 at high speed and needs to slow down while turning to navigate the left-hand Turn 10.
The combination of steering and braking requires precision, especially considering that the track has a surprising gradient, causing the inside front of the car to become light. The Ferrari handled all of this exceptionally well, regardless of the conditions, tires, or drivers.
It rarely seemed out of control, with the only notable issue being a lock-up from Sainz. Leclerc’s long run was particularly impressive. Although there was a minor slip at one apex, it quickly returned to its optimal performance.
The Ferrari also impressed at Turn 11, a different type of corner that follows a high-speed approach from the back straight. It consistently turned in nicely and didn’t suffer from understeer.
Overall, the Ferrari looked planted and well-behaved, responding to the drivers’ commands. This is a significant improvement from its performance in 2023 and even from last year’s testing.
While it’s still unlikely that Ferrari will challenge Red Bull in the season opener, it appears to be the best of the rest. Throughout the test, there was speculation about which team would emerge as the main competitor to Red Bull, with Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin all in contention.
However, Ferrari stood out, while the other teams failed to make a similar impact. The Mercedes had its moments, and George Russell’s late push lap was impressive, but it required more effort to achieve that level of performance. The Aston Martin didn’t look as strong as Ferrari or McLaren during long runs.
Ultimately, the Ferrari’s progress from last year and its stability on the track have made it a more promising contender. The drivers are happier, and this is evident from a trackside perspective.
While it may not be enough to beat Red Bull, the Ferrari does inspire a sense of optimism, especially based on its performance under the lights on the third day of testing. It’s always better to have some hope than none at all.