'Ferrari copies - thanks partly to engineers who moved - Red Bull concept'
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Ferrari will introduce a major update at the Imola Grand Prix. When the European season arrives, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will drive an almost B-spec of the SF24, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian racing team have taken inspiration from major rivals Red Bull Racing.
Ferrari are changing the concept of the RB20's air intakes, according to reports from Italy. The aerodynamics team led by Diego Tondi has found an unexpected performance improvement by adjusting the air intakes on the side of the car. In doing so, Ferrari have looked to Red Bull Racing. It is not an exact copy, but inspiration was taken from the Milton Keynes-based formation.
Not only did they look at Red Bull's air intakes, Ferrari also had 'inside info'. After a period of gardening leave, some new engineers joined Ferrari from Red Bull. They brought with them specific knowledge about this concept from their time at Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez's racing team.
B-version SF24
Ferrari previously announced that the evolution of the car will have three major phases this season. Ferrari are said to be optimistic about the improvements, and this update package could be considered a near B-version of the SF24. Whether the leap they expect to make is really that big will be seen next month.
It will be Ferrari's first major upgrade of the season. Red Bull already adjusted the air intakes on the sides of the cockpit during the season. In addition, the horizontal air intakes were reduced in size.