Ferrari put the SF-23 on the track: presentation at Fiorano and live shakedown

The next World Cup Formula One already has a date and Ferrariits new model with a traditional red body with some details in black that has been baptized SF-23 and shown this Tuesday in the Fioranese circuit.

In a presentation that broke with the classic model exhibited by its competitors up to now, the Italian team He took full advantage of his power and unveiled his car on his track.

before a hundred fans noisy people who met in Maranello, charles leclerc It was he who launched the SF-23, of which he was then left in command Charles Sainz.

The official debut will take place in the pre-season tests, between 23 and 25 February, on the Bahrain circuit.

The 2022 season has been marred by costly race strategy errors for Ferrari and mechanical reliability issues which have resulted in no new victories since the Austrian Grand Prix on 10 July. The team finished second in the constructors’ championship, behind Red Bull’s two-time and reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

For the team with the most titles in Formula 1 history, the drought is greater: the last drivers’ title was in 2007, when Kimi Räikkönen won the final for Ferrari, while the constructors’ title came a year later.

“The most important thing for us is to put Ferrari first”acknowledged the new brand director, Frenchman Frédéric Vasseur, who has left Alfa Romeo to take the place of Mattia Binotto, who left the team in November.

“Last year, it’s no secret, the engine wasn’t the strong point (of the car). We did a good job and are ready for the season,” said Vasseur, after the drivers completed laps of presentation.

“It’s nicer than last year”

“It’s very nice, more than last year. And I already thought it was impossible to be prettier. Now we’ll start with the little things: the brakes, the lengths… First impressions,” said Sainz of the new design.

The “Ferrari” lettering is back in white on the rear wing. Red is obviously the main color, but there is also room for black, which takes pride of place. With no cheeky revs, the SF-23 has few upgrades to make it as fast as it showed last season, yet more reliable and continuous.

“Being here is unique. It’s incredible to have this stage in Maranello with all the history it has, Ferrari is the only team with this atmosphere“, added the driver from Madrid, who had his last touch on the track on November 20, in the last race of the season.

“Normally we are very close (in times), but I will always try to be the fastest. Whenever we’re on the track we compete, it’s nice to have a good relationship on and off the track, always with respect,” explained the Spaniard, before his teammate confirmed his statements.

“We will make each other better until the end,” Leclerc noted. And he added: “I can’t wait to start the World Cup. 2022 was a step forward compared to 2021 and 2020, so I can’t wait to start this year. The goal is to win. The feeling of winning is what motivates me. I can’t wait to get back in the car and I hope I can win,” said the Monte Carlo driver, who finished second last year.

No rider preference

“I’m not interested in who wins, I’m interested in letting Ferrari win. We will promote both equally, but the team comes first” said Vasseur, new to the team, but with clear intentions.

“Right now, since I arrived, everything is intense, you can feel the pressure. My contribution in this car is very small because I’ve just arrived, but there’s a great feeling. That feeling is important for motivation ahead of the season,” added the new Ferrari team boss.