The Prancing Horse keeps its promise: in the United States, Ferrari introduces a new (flexible) front wing. Ferrari updates in Austin precede those for Mexico
The US Grand Prix weekend is just around the corner—a crucial weekend that could prove decisive for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. On one hand, there’s the battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, and on the other, the fight between McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari for the title. The US GP will likely determine how much the Scuderia can realistically compete with McLaren, with Ferrari set to unveil the highly anticipated updates, scheduled specifically for the Austin round. In Texas, Vasseur and his team have kept their word: the long-awaited flexible wing will make its debut, ready to “adapt” to McLaren’s innovations.
It’s a bold choice from Ferrari, which already brought updates to Singapore, though they couldn’t be fully evaluated due to the track conditions at Marina Bay, where high downforce and chassis requirements dominated. At the US track, however, we’ll finally see the true potential of the package first introduced at Monza, now with the addition of the new flexible wing, designed to battle against Woking and Milton Keynes. As always, the final verdict will come from the track, and Friday’s sessions will reveal whether Ferrari can realistically compete this weekend.
But the surprises don’t end there: in recent days, we’ve talked about the developments Ferrari will also bring to Las Vegas, with an “all-in” approach ready to be deployed. However, the hard work of Vasseur and his team in the factory over the past weeks has allowed Ferrari to also bring updates to Mexico City (in addition to Austin). It’s notable that Ferrari won’t present the entire update package in the US, only introducing the new flexible wings, and will split the updates, bringing a new floor and further minor chassis improvements to Mexico. A bold choice, perhaps a winning one.
Pre-announced updates? Vasseur and Leclerc’s words
Regarding these updates, team principal Fred Vasseur had this to say a few weeks ago: “We are aware that Ferrari has already started developing the car for next season. Our goal for the end of 2024 is to implement small updates that could represent the final step forward, although I’m not sure about the other teams, of course, as everyone is evolving.”
Charles Leclerc also hinted at new updates after the summer break, saying about the SF-24’s development: “Things are changing very quickly, which is quite unusual because in F1, when a gap is created, it usually takes a long time for a team to catch up. But this year, McLaren has made great strides forward very quickly.”
“I was surprised to see that Mercedes has also made significant progress in the last few races. Unfortunately for us, we’ve struggled a bit more, but we’re working on it. I’m fully confident in the work we’re doing and the updates we’ll bring. I couldn’t say when, but I’m sure the updates will help us make a step forward.” Hopefully, Austin will provide the answer to all the questions.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP