Maranello, Italy – Ferrari’s 2024 Formula 1 car has taken a unique approach in the realm of rear suspension, setting the team apart from its competitors in the highly competitive sport. While other teams have embraced the pushrod rear suspension trend, Ferrari has consciously chosen a different path, opting for a pullrod rear configuration in its new SF-24.
According to Enrico Cardile, Ferrari’s chassis technical director, the SF-24 marks a significant departure from the team’s previous ground effect cars. With a renewed focus on aerodynamics, Ferrari has remained steadfast in its decision to stick with pullrod rear suspension, unlike its main rivals who have adopted the pushrod rear suspension trend. The pushrod rear suspension design supposedly provides better aerodynamic opportunities by allowing cleaner airflow to the diffuser and rear wing area.
Red Bull’s technical chief, Adrian Newey, emphasized the importance of optimizing the low, stiff, ground effect cars by ensuring the underfloor and suspension work together seamlessly. As a result, other engineering chiefs have followed suit, with a major focus on suspension and platform control across various teams.
However, Ferrari decided against the pushrod rear suspension, citing that it did not measure a substantial advantage to justify the potential compromises in terms of weight and compliance. While the pushrod rear suspension design is widely adopted in the F1 circuit, Ferrari remains resolute in its choice of the pullrod rear configuration.
Amidst the convergence on pushrod rear suspension by its competitors, Ferrari’s decision to stick with the pullrod rear configuration has raised questions about the potential performance limitations it may face in comparison to its rivals. Despite this, Ferrari has expressed confidence in its existing layout and has no plans to make changes for the current year.
With Ferrari’s approach to rear suspension design diverging from the norm, it is yet to be seen whether the team’s decision will pay off or result in a fundamental performance limitation. As the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolds, the impact of Ferrari’s unique rear suspension configuration will become increasingly evident.