This article was provided by Melissa Calvert

Formula 1 has fans and following from all over the world. Many people simply get sucked into Formula 1 while following popular car shows; for some, the journey is more intermittent and intimate than the rest out there.

Whatever happens next is uncontrollable, and before you know it, you are an addict of this long-running sport that has more than 205 million fans across the globe. People like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are considered national treasures by their respective countries.

While Monaco Grand Prix is considered as the biggest Formula 1 race that has taken place over 61 times in the world championship era, car companies like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes-Benz have all made a name for themselves through these adrenaline-pumping contests that are held at popular venues every year.

According to the statistics and report by Formula1.com, the Grand Prix attendance surpassed 4 million in 2019. This year, however, Ferrari takes the spotlight for introducing their brand-new Formula 1 race car for events following this year.

So without further a due, let’s see what the new Ferrari is all about.         

Ferrari’s New F1 Car 2020

Here are seven updates from Ferrari on the theatrical release of their f1 2020 car:

1.   What’s in the Name: Scuderia Ferrari SF1000

First and foremost, one should know that the Scuderia Ferrari is the luxury division of auto manufacturers Ferrari and manages their racing teams competing in Formula One racing. Plus, the car’s assigned designation “SF1000” is a direct reference to Ferrari’s one-thousandth Grand Prix entry.

The car has made three appearances so far in 2020, including the Austrian Grand Prix, the Styrian Grand Prix, and the Hungarian Grand Prix. At this moment, both Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc have driven the car. Sebastian Vettel has nicknamed the car Lucilla, which translates to ‘graceful light’ in French.

2.   First Appearance

At an event in Italy held in the iconic Romolo Valli Theatre in Reggio Emilia, Ferrari unveiled their brand-new race car for upcoming contests with an extravagant launch ceremony.

The spectacular introduction was accompanied by a full-on orchestra, choir, and ballet dancers, as well as including a small speech by Ferrari’s CEO Louis Camilleri.

With video footage of Ferrari’s F1 history playing on the backdrop, it was Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc who finally took away the curtains hiding this magnificent piece of pure engineering and art blended together.

3.   Extreme Concepts

Though the technical regulations remain unchanged for this year’s racing season, the SF1000 is a definite evolution from its predecessor, the SF90. The SF90 supported higher and broader rear wings as compared to previous models, encouraging the flow of tiers with the front wing being below maximum allowed height.

However, Mattia Binotto, who was the part of the powertrain design of the previous models as well stated that they have been as extreme as they can be when designing the SF1000.

The cooling system installed in the car lowers the center of gravity, and other features include sidepod inlets, complex bargeboard components and much tighter rear bodywork.

4.   Exclusive Specs

When it comes to specs for this marvel of creation, we find that it has a V6 engine with a total displacement of 1600cc, a 4 MJ battery, and 120kW MGU-K power. However, this is just simply skimming on the top.

The Kinetic Motor Generator Unit installed in the car is capable of producing a maximum RPM (revolutions per minute) equal to 50,000, whereas the MGU-H (heat) can provide a maximum of 125,000 RPM.

The engine features Forced Induction through a single Turbocharger, offering a flow rate of 100 Kg per hour maximum. The fuel limit per race for the car comes to 110Kg.

5.   About the Developers

The Italian team has been a mainstay for Formula 1 events for the past 70 years. For designers, the main focus was to make this version of their car more reliable.

The predecessor SF90 was considered the fastest car on the track that helped Ferrari secure second place in the Constructor’s Championship following short only to Mercedes. The principal designer behind the car Mattia Binotto joined Ferrari’s Scuderia’s division in 1995 within the engine department.

He was recently promoted to Team Principal in 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene, who left Ferrari. The car currently features a monocoque structure formed by carbon fibre and honeycomb composite materials.

6.   The Dream Behind the Car

While the car itself was meant only to compete in the 2020 Formula One World Championship, however with several agreements with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the SF1000 would compete in 2021 competitions as well. The car will be driven by Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel in 2020 and Carlos Sainz Jr. in 2021, replacing Vettel when he leaves the team.

Unfortunately, many planned events were cancelled due to a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, hopes have returned finally with the car’s official debut at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix this year.

7.   Allegations over Advertising Material

Ferrari might face legal action over its advertising material for the new SF1000 F1 car. This move is spearheaded by Codacons, a non-profit consumer right organization. The group says the new car features illegal advertising.

The dispute is related to the Mission Winnow logos that references an initiative from tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris International. Mission Winnow is a campaign launched by Philip Morris to promote its research for developing less harmful alternatives to cigarettes.

Conclusion

Ferrari is one of the biggest names when it comes to Formula One racing. Their cars have been idolized throughout history as one of the best forms of masterful engineering and intuitive technology ever delivered on the racing tracks.

Millions of fans could just simply dream of having their own Ferrari, least a Formula One car. We expect great things to follow with this high potential launch.

However, Formula One is a lot more than just cars; it’s often a team effort that counts in delivering a Grand Prix win. Our best of wishes to Team Ferrari, may the best team win in the upcoming events.