SF1000

The nose section of the SF1000 is an extreme development of the SF90 of 2019 for this part and features a bigger overhang of the structural components that support the front wing. The changes are aimed at improving aerodynamic downforce. Producing this new nose proved to be a bit of brain-teaser for the engineers and composites people as it involved an interesting challenge in terms of passing the obligatory crash test, a mission accomplished at the first attempt.

The front suspension arms of a Formula 1 car are very important, not only in terms of the dynamics and stability of the vehicle, but also when it comes to aerodynamic efficiency, as they play a part in the way that air flows towards the rear. On the SF1000, both these parameters were taken into consideration when designing the front suspension layout. Particular attention was paid to the integration of the suspension mounting points and the brake ducts to maximise aero downforce while ensuring the right cooling level for the brake discs and calipers.

The bargeboards are vertically mounted plates on the sides of a current Formula 1 car that help direct air flow to certain specific parts of the car. The rules regarding these components are the same as for 2019, however those on the SF1000 are more complex in shape, highlighting the pursuit of increased aerodynamic efficiency from every part of the car.

In order to optimise the performance level of the 2020 car, great emphasis was placed on compact packaging and weight reduction. By lowering some elements of the cooling system, it was thus possible to further lower the car’s centre of gravity which contributes to the car’s overall performance.

The rear bodywork on the Ferrari SF1000 is more tight-fitting than on the 2019 car, thanks to the work carried out on optimising the shape and layout of the components under the engine cover. The more figure-hugging bodywork helps to increase aerodynamic downforce by cleaning up the airflow towards the rear wing. The gearbox casing has been reduced in size to allow for this more extreme bodywork shape, while still producing the same amount of cooling as on the previous car, despite the reduction of the available space.

The Formula 1 power unit is made up of six major components: an internal combustion engine, in this case a 1.6 litre V6, coupled to a turbocompressor. Then there are two motor generators, the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit Kinetic) and the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit Heat.) The MGU-K is a direct descendent of the previous KERS system which recovers kinetic energy generated under braking and up to 4MJ of this energy can be stored in the battery pack. The MGU-H harvests thermal energy from the turbo. Then there is the battery pack, used to store the electrical energy before it is deployed. The sixth component is the control electronics.

The SF1000 - design code 671 - is the 66th car built by Ferrari to take part in the Formula 1 World Championship. Although this year’s technical regulations have changed very little since 2019, this year’s car is significantly different to last year’s SF90, with the changes aimed at optimising aerodynamic downforce and balance.

For the 2020 season, the Ferrari 065 power unit represents a step forward in the combustion efficiency of its Internal Combustion Engine, due mainly to two factors, a new design and a new fuel. A new Turbocharger and Energy Recovery System have been developed in order to maximize the overall Power Unit performance. As part of the overall concept of the 671 car, the PU layout design has focused on being as compact as possible, while also rationalising the weight and size of the Energy Store.

The SF1000 is the seventh car built to race in Formula 1’s hybrid era, which began in 2014. Its name reflects the fact that, when we get to the ninth race of this year, the Scuderia will have taken part in a thousand Grands Prix. Ferrari made its Formula 1 debut on 21 May 1950, in Monaco, in the second ever championship Grand Prix. The Maranello team is the most successful in the sport with 16 Constructors’ titles, 15 Drivers’ and 238 Grand Prix victories.