F1 News: Ferrari 2024 Car Predicted To Be "A Tenth And A Half" Faster With Early Progress Update

The Ferrari 676 meets the 798kg weight limit.

According to reports, Ferrari's 2024 championship contender has, for the first time in the ground effect era, adhered to the FIA's weight limit of 798 kg. Consequently, the weight reduction on the '676' will not only enhance its speed but also contribute to tire preservation.

It is courtesy of a more compact battery, narrower gearbox, and lighter body that have made all the necessary difference in contributing to the weight saving. Considering the Formula 1 calculation that indicates a 10 kg reduction can result in around three-tenths of a second improvement, the new car could potentially be faster by "a tenth and a half" on circuits like Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as reported by Motorsport.com.

Last year's SF-23 F1 car exceeded the weight limit by 6 kg. Enrico Cardile, the Ferrari technical director, deserves full credit for the weight reduction, significantly enhancing the team's chances of being a serious title contender this year.

Speaking of the 2023 car, Ferrari encountered a significant challenge last year related to unpredictable tire wear. However, with the weight reduction on the 676, there is an expectation that the issue of tire wear could be mitigated if not completely resolved.

Ferrari received additional positive news as their 2024 car successfully cleared the FIA crash test, unlike their rival team Red Bull, whose RB20 car reportedly did not pass. Although the Milton Keynes outfit experimented with a different nose section on their car, the initial endeavor turned out to be unsuccessful.

Furthermore, the encouraging outcomes from wind tunnel data and simulator tests for 2024 are so promising that individuals at Maranello are prohibited from comparing the 676 with the SF-23.

It looks like Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz could be racing in a better car this year with the hope of winning more races and maybe even the championship. Last year, Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in the entire season.

The unveiling of Scuderia Ferrari's 676 is scheduled for February 13 at Fiorano, but whether it will emerge as a strong competitor against the RB20 remains uncertain. Only time will reveal the answer.