On the primary day of observe motion on the Miami Worldwide Autodrome in Florida, Ferrari doesn’t ship its greatest with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. A 3rd and fourth row that completely captures the present state of the Italian aspect. The dash qualifying session remains to be destined to make waves, that of the Miami Grand Prix, the place one title rings louder than all others: Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The very younger Italian driver clinched a shocking Pole Place for the Dash race.
Kimi Antonelli had by no means raced in Miami, but he set a masterful lap on a difficult avenue circuit. A efficiency that leaves no room for doubt: solely a pure expertise like his may obtain such a outcome within the sixth race of his Formulation 1 profession. Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari completed with a big hole: +0.326 seconds from the highest and simply 71 milliseconds from a second row.
The fourth place was inside attain, which, contemplating the present situations, in all probability represents the utmost the Maranello staff can realistically intention for on the sort of circuit. On the finish of his solely push lap, the Monegasque driver complained through radio in regards to the observe place. He was given a mere 8-second margin to keep away from taking the checkered flag, forcing him to begin the lap with less-than-ideal stress.
In such situations, the place belief within the automotive is already fragile, not having time to correctly put together the lap dangers compromising every little thing. The primary sector was not good. Certainly, there have been some errors because of the tires not being ultimate but: in flip 1 entry, he struggled within the middle of the nook, even having to carry out a big counter-steer to right the rear.
The consequence is quick: he delays throttle opening and has to carry out a protracted carry in comparison with Kimi Antonelli, thus shedding valuable meters proper from the primary seconds of the lap. The identical sample repeated between turns 6 and seven, the place, within the lengthy, wide-radius curve the place the automotive is generally loaded, he had a second the place the rear slipped just a little, shedding the benefit he’d gained in turns 4-5.
Primarily based on the telemetry knowledge evaluation, on this part, the Monegasque carried maybe an excessive amount of velocity, attempting to recuperate the bottom misplaced earlier on account of an imperfect out-lap. He did a lot in order that he then needed to brake longer than his opponent, guaranteeing that his Ferrari SF-25 may decelerate and enter the lengthy high-speed part main to show 11.
From flip 11 onward, the comparability is cruel. The micro sectors present it: Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes W16 dominates the slower part of the circuit, from turns 11 to 16. On this a part of the observe, what issues is the power to place energy to the bottom, handle traction out of tight corners, and typically, have a predictable and steady automotive. The Italian driver does this exceptionally.
The work carried out on his automotive’s setup is obvious: sacrificing some stiffness to realize extra mechanical grip, guaranteeing more practical traction and higher tolerance on the curbs—significantly difficult on this observe. A stable rear finish permits pushing on nook exit with out the concern of sliding, considerably enhancing the time within the gradual micro sectors.
Ferrari, in the course of the first free follow session, after the primary run with medium tires, determined to vary the setup of the Italian automotive. We’re speaking about journey peak but in addition suspensions, softening the setup. Whereas within the early afternoon yesterday, Ferrari was just below four-tenths behind McLaren at that particular level, within the Dash Shootout, the hole shrank to a few tenth and a half.
The obvious restrict of the SF-25 stays one: the traction part. That is the place Charles Leclerc loses probably the most time. Out of each gradual nook, the Monegasque is compelled to delay throttle opening. A warning better than Kimi’s. Telemetry makes it obviously clear: the delay in acceleration interprets to a rising delta alongside all of the straights.
Kimi Antonelli, as soon as once more, confirmed not solely that he has extraordinary expertise, but in addition that he is aware of how you can use it at a very powerful second. His precision within the quick sections and his cleanliness within the gradual ones present a maturity that’s shocking for a rookie. Ferrari, however, stays a automotive that’s onerous to interpret, particularly on avenue circuits the place confidence is every little thing. Aerodynamic updates are urgently wanted.
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