Scuderia Ferrari has confirmed updates to the SF-23 in preparation for the F1 Spanish Grand Prix, including a new Red Bull-style sidepod shape. As previously reported, Ferrari has ditched its longstanding in-wash sidepod concept in favor of a Red Bulls-style wash-down design.
In close-up photos, the new Ferrari sidepods are a complete overhaul of what the SF-23 has used so far. The new version ditches the ‘bathtub’ shaped central section that has characterized Ferrari’s F1 cars since early 2022. Instead, it features a more horizontal upper surface which helps channel airflow to the diffuser area . It is based on the Red Bull concept, which Red Bull has used to boost the performance of the RB19, and many other teams have copied the idea. The Ferrari wash ramp variant is similar to the Alpine, Aston Martin, Mercedes and others and features a water slide groove on top of the car to direct airflow to the rear floor and coke bottle area. However, given that Ferrari has previously used a bathtub-shaped solution, this is not surprising as it has extensive experience with this type of surface contouring. However, Ferrari retained some of the DNA of the original side pods, with S-shaped chassis recesses, undercuts and ducts all still characteristic, although their function may have changed slightly. Meanwhile, the mirror housings that surround the furniture have also undergone minor modifications, shortening the top slats and exposing the outer part of the mirror body. Ferrari’s decision to change the sidepod concept is driven by the pursuit of solutions that are fast in one shot but struggle with racing distances. The team believes the problem is the top air platform, which means drivers have more trouble with changes in grip levels and wind direction during the race. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has praised the team’s efforts to bring this major upgrade to Spain. “I cannot fault the package we brought here. The effort Maranello has made to bring this package to fruition is unimaginable,” said Sainz. “It was supposed to be very late in the season, but the situation was trying to push it even earlier, so the whole factory has been full in the last few months.”
