What Ferrari's Spanish GP F1 upgrades are meant to improve

Ferrari is introducing a significant upgrade package for its Formula 1 car at the Spanish Grand Prix with the goal of achieving more than just increased peak performance. While Ferrari has shown strong qualifying pace, it has struggled to translate that into consistent race performance. Despite being the second-fastest team on average, Ferrari has only achieved one podium finish this season and currently sits fourth in the championship standings.

The upgrades, which include aerodynamic improvements, aim to not only increase downforce but also provide a more consistent platform. Ferrari believes there is room for improvement in its performance and has been working on addressing the car's peaky behavior. The team wants to minimize the loss of overall downforce when the car is subjected to conditions beyond optimal, such as during races.

Ferrari has kept the upgrades relatively hidden, but some details have been observed, including updated sidepods on Carlos Sainz's car. However, the changes are not as dramatic as Mercedes' switch to a more conventional and visibly downwashing design with their sidepods.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc acknowledges that the upgrades won't bring about major miracles or massive changes. Instead, they mark the beginning of a gradual change in development direction for the team. The focus is on making the car more drivable, consistent, and better in races. The upgrades are expected to include revisions to the floor and sidepods.

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has defended the team's performance, highlighting their qualifying speed as evidence of the car's potential. He believes the results so far don't reflect the true performance of the SF-23 and argues that if the car were as difficult to drive as sometimes portrayed, they wouldn't be just one tenth behind Red Bull in qualifying.

However, Vasseur acknowledges that there is a noticeable difference in the car's competitiveness between single-lap performance and race stints. The team has been focusing on addressing the balance shifts from corner-to-corner and throughout a stint. Vasseur hopes that the more "relevant" Barcelona track, coupled with the upgrades, will provide a clearer picture of Ferrari's performance deficit.

Leclerc believes the new parts should help identify the cause of Ferrari's contrasting Saturday/Sunday performance, which has been a longstanding mystery. He expresses confidence that the team is starting to understand the issues and is putting effort into resolving them. The upcoming on-track testing will be crucial in determining whether the identified improvements will materialize.

Ferrari plans to introduce further upgrades beyond the Spanish Grand Prix package. However, Vasseur emphasizes that the base of the car remains the same. He expects progress in Barcelona but acknowledges that it won't mark the end of the car's development. Updates are planned for the next two to three races following the Spanish Grand Prix.