From Red Bull’s floor to Ferrari’s tests: five Formula 1 technical highlights in 2023

The 2023 Formula One season will be remembered as the year of Red Bull’s great dominance, winning all Grand Prix races except for the Singapore event, which was won by Carlos Sainz for Ferrari. Despite the Austrian team’s success, the season offered various technical insights, with competitors striving to update their cars to catch up with the world champions. Here’s a selection of five technical moments from 2023, chosen not necessarily for their performance relevance or revolutionary aspects, but for their ability to narrate the dynamics characterizing the teams’ work.

1. Ferrari’s S-Duct:
The SF-23 made headlines from its unveiling, showcasing an acute interpretation of the technical regulations by Ferrari. The car featured a subtle duct alongside the cockpit, connecting the lower and upper body areas to energize flows in the upper part. This solution stood out for its originality, potentially inspiring other teams for 2024. Despite the unique features, the performance of the SF-23 serves as a reminder that individual innovations don’t make a car competitive; it’s the holistic project vision that matters.

2. Red Bull’s Floor:
The streets of Monaco didn’t disappoint, offering captivating images of elevated wrecked cars showcasing the intricate floors. Sergio Perez’s Red Bull stole the spotlight with its elaborate floor adorned with crests and indentations, revealing a complex three-dimensional design. While teams claimed the champions’ floor was merely a starting point, the sophistication of the RB19 testified to Red Bull’s advanced development level.

3. Mercedes’ New Concept:
2023 witnessed mid-season conceptual changes, with several teams overhauling their cars in preparation for 2024. Mercedes, in particular, shifted from the zero-pod concept to a lower nose design and modified the W14’s front suspension. This adjustment involved raising the forward arm of the upper triangle, accentuating the anti-dive kinematics to stabilize the car’s pitch during braking. Mercedes’ focus on suspensions emphasized the crucial role of mechanics in ground-effect regulations, vital for stabilizing the car’s height above the ground.

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4. Ferrari’s Tests:
At Zandvoort, Ferrari opted to sacrifice free practice sessions for aerodynamic experiments. This decision stemmed from the need to address challenges faced in Budapest and Barcelona, tracks similar in downforce and asphalt type. Frederic Vasseur noted the difficulty in fully understanding the ground-effect car implications solely through wind tunnel testing, emphasizing the necessity for on-track validations.

5. Red Bull’s Tightened Sidepods:
Red Bull’s aerodynamic development showcased a specific trend. In Baku and Budapest, the team progressively narrowed the sidepod radiator inlets, pushing them upward. The goal was to widen the lower part of the sidepod, channeling high-energy flows towards the gearbox area. The challenge lies in pressurizing the areas on either side of the cockpit to push out the disruptive turbulence from the front wheels. The compromise between the depth of the sidepod recess and the influence of the radiator inlets will be crucial in 2024, determining the extent of narrowing the sidepod inlets for Red Bull and its rivals.