f1316 wrote: ↑12 Nov 2024, 05:06
The representation is obviously more facile than the reality , but noticeable that the Ferrari has the most overall squares (by my count 20 vs 17 for McLaren and 16 for Red Bull).
Even if we say that this person’s analysis is entirely accurate, more squares doesn’t necessarily mean better car - for example, it could be that having more downforce is more important for overall lap time than top speed - but it could be a sign that the Ferrari is now the best all-rounder.
I don’t necessarily believe that’s true tbh (or at least, I’ll need to see more proof in the remaining races to believe it) but a heck of an achievement if it turns out to be the case.
The SF-24 is a very good all-rounder, but its critical weakness (tire warm-up) is too much to make it truly a balanced car. If you take that away I would agree it's competitive at every type of track—but you can't erase qualifying.
The MCL38 may be "weaker" in certain corners, but it's still a better car because it isn't ridiculously weak in one specific area.
Either way, both cars are incredible improvements from their predecessors.
If the SF-25 can widen the operating window while retaining its positive aspects, it will be hard to beat. But who knows how that development is going. Maranello has been iron tight on leaks this season.