Ferrari: The Good Management of Soft Tires as a Weapon to Counter Mercedes
According to Sebastian Vettel's race engineer, Ferrari's victory will depend on using the softest tires. The pace shown by the Italian company on the super-soft tires since the start of the season is promising. This hints at suspense for the Austrian Grand Prix race.
« It is very important to maintain pressure on Mercedes. » These were the words of Riccardo Adami, Sebastian Vettel’s engineer within Scuderia Ferrari. To do this, the official notes that the Prancing Horse team has a weapon: the wear of the soft and super-soft tires.
Since the beginning of the season, the two red cars have set an unrelenting pace in long stints. It is the ability of the Maranello team to keep the yellow and red-striped tires alive that can make the difference. This could: « make life uncomfortable for Mercedes. » An optimal understanding of the degradation of the softest compounds could help make the difference. According to Scuderia, this is the key to victory.
If the times in race simulations are not a problem, the engineer of the four-time world champion points out another issue: qualifying. It is crucial to start as close to the Mercedes as possible. The pace will then do the rest.
The Scuderia Ferrari is still looking to improve its performance. The Italian team arrived with chassis upgrades at the Spanish Grand Prix and with an engine upgrade at the Canadian Grand Prix. The brains behind the Reds have used three development tokens. Nevertheless, the results are not yet convincing due to issues related to fuel economy and braking.
This work based on the feedback provided by Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen and better qualifications will allow for better utilization of Pirelli tires. This, in the short term, promises new victories.
