Ferrari eye victory at Las Vegas Grand Prix with confidence in low downforce setup

As the Formula 1 season charges toward its climax, Clear's optimism stems from the unique layout of the track, particularly its 1.1-mile straight along the iconic Strip, setting the stage for a captivating race through the vibrant city.

Ferrari have demonstrated prowess on street tracks throughout the 2023 season, achieving notable successes in Azerbaijan and Singapore. The Marina Bay street circuit witnessed Carlos Sainz clinching a victory, marking a rare non-Red Bull triumph. 

The prospect of another street circuit in Vegas has heightened expectations for Ferrari, with Clear expressing confidence in the team's performance.

The Las Vegas circuit promises a thrilling mix of permanent and temporary sections, creating a challenging environment where low downforce configurations are anticipated to be crucial. Reflecting on Ferrari's previous success at the low-downforce Monza track, where they secured pole position and led the early stages of the race, Clear is optimistic about the team's prospects in Vegas.

"Las Vegas is going to be a good one," remarked Clear during a media briefing. "All our indications suggest it's going to be a low downforce circuit, and as such, we are confident that we can be competitive there."

However, Clear acknowledges the nuances of the SF-23 package, describing the car as having a narrow operating window. This characteristic, he believes, has been a challenge for Ferrari, prompting a focused effort to address it in the upcoming season.

"Let's not beat around the bush," Clear emphasized. "The struggle for us has been to understand why that is. I think we understand that most of it might be in the DNA of the car, so for next year, we are focusing on making it a much more benign car, one that doesn't have such a narrow operating window."

Clear's insights shed light on Ferrari's strategic approach, recognizing the need for a broader operating window to navigate the dynamic conditions of a race successfully. In contrast, he credits Red Bull's strength to their car's wide operating window, a factor that has contributed to their consistent performance.

As anticipation builds for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the 14-turn street circuit promises excitement with top speeds reaching around 342 kilometres per hour on the iconic straight across the Strip. Ferrari's quest for victory and their confidence in the low downforce setup add an extra layer of intrigue to what is expected to be a captivating weekend for Formula 1 enthusiasts worldwide.

 

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