Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc spent two intense days in observe testing at Sakhir, Bahrain. Numerous scheduled work was efficiently accomplished in all features, so far as we all know. Other than the rain, which was a little bit of a nuisance for each drivers, the exams supplied the crew with a wealth of essential data. A considerable amount of information to course of, extraordinarily helpful for assessing the assorted traits of the Ferrari and defining the distinctive traits of the automobile. This was the plan, to stipulate the aerodynamic map and set up the boundaries of the setup.
Inside this aggressive situation, we will conduct a primary evaluation concerning driving types and different fascinating parameters, serving to us higher perceive the preferences of the 2 drivers on the wheel of the Ferrari SF-25. All of that is made doable because of the invaluable assist of telemetry. It is a actually efficient software that, when used to perfection, permits us on this particular case to look at the conduct and strategy of Ferrari’s two drivers. Let’s due to this fact start with a direct comparability between Lewis and Charles, analyzing their quickest laps within the Italian automobile.
To start with, there’s a “suspicion” concerning the setup, as it seems that Charles Leclerc had a extra aerodynamically loaded configuration. We are able to infer this from the highest speeds and likewise from how he navigates the “snake” in Sector 1: the Monegasque driver tackles this part extra easily, even going flat out in corners 6 and seven, highlighting each the SF-25’s effectiveness in route modifications and the arrogance he had in finishing this sequence. Within the first three corners, nonetheless, the Englishman’s conduct is decisively higher: from his use of the pedals, we discover that he’s barely extra aggressive than Charles Leclerc, getting on the throttle earlier.
On this part alone, he good points 0.072 seconds. The remaining benefit constructed by the Briton within the first sector comes from flip 4, which typically induces oversteer on exit: right here, Charles Leclerc struggled greater than Lewis Hamilton all through the session, together with on his quickest lap. Regardless of with the ability to carry extra minimal pace via the middle of the nook, the previous Alfa Romeo driver has to delay full throttle till his wheels are utterly straight. Over the course of the lap, we observe that the Monegasque was nearly at all times sooner in minimal cornering speeds.
One of many causes is straightforward: he makes use of the brake pedal much less to decelerate, relying extra on engine braking. He does this whereas nonetheless managing to present the automobile the suitable rotation. Quite the opposite, generally, Lewis Hamilton tends to hold extra pace on the finish of the straights, attempting to brake as late as doable. This strategy generally forces him to make use of the left pedal greater than essential to keep away from understeer.
Because the lap continues, each Ferrari drivers have been flawless in flip 13, the place the SF-25 struggled on Wednesday, primarily on account of excessive setups. Lewis Hamilton himself confirmed this, because the engineers wanted to know the automobile’s limits to outline the aerodynamic map. On the second day of testing, the entrance of the Ferrari was very sharp, permitting it to hit the apex exactly, with the rear following easily with none indicators of instability.
Moreover, as soon as once more, we will respect Charles Leclerc’s most well-liked approach: trailing-throttle. From what we’ve got seen, he’s the one driver on all the grid who makes use of it, as it is extremely tough to execute successfully.
Within the analyzed lap, Charles Leclerc retains a slight quantity of throttle open even whereas cornering. The explanation stays the identical: balancing the automobile’s weight, shifting it from the entrance to the rear, and consequently placing down all the ability from the 066/15 energy unit sooner. The truth that the Monegasque driver makes use of this system is a optimistic signal, because it proves that the SF-25’s entrance finish holds up effectively regardless of the burden switch towards the rear axle.
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