Silverstone has highlighted a phenomenon that can lead to substantial changes in aerodynamic load: this is why the red is more sensitive to the phenomenon than its rivals
The complexity of the aerodynamics of the F1 2023 is plastically demonstrated by a phenomenon that seems to affect the performance of some single-seaters more than others: we are referring to the “lateral wind”. In practice, precisely on the occasion of the British GP, it emerged that the Ferrari SF-23 specifically suffered from particularly intense gusts, with a transversal direction to the track, which lashed the Silverstone track, especially in the section that included the triptych of fast corners Maggott’s, Beckett’s and Chapel, and the following straight (Hangar Straight). In practice, the single-seater suffered in terms of stability in cornering, but also along the straight, making it difficult to maintain the ideal trajectory. Sensitivity to lateral winds is nothing new in F1, but undoubtedly, with the return to ground effect since last year, it has taken on a more significant scope than previously, precisely in relation to this aerodynamic concept.