Suzuka has always been one of the most demanding tracks on a technical level for Formula 1 teams. The circuit offers many fast corners and sections that highlight the aerodynamic qualities and deficiencies of F1 machines. It is no coincidence that teams often bring upgrades to Japan – although its new place in the calendar has slightly changed things. However, this is not the case for Red Bull who will bring substantial updates. From what we have gathered, Aston Martin will also bring their first innovations of 2024 to Japan. Alpine will also begin its road to recovery with updates to the A524.
The AMR24 has similarities to the Ferrari SF-23
The Silverstone-based team hopes the AM24 can become competitive enough to push Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll closer to the top. Aston has been around the fifth-fastest team in the first three rounds, able to challenge Mercedes but well beyond Ferrari and Red Bull.
Aston Martin does have some strong qualities with their 2024 car. Much like last year’s Red Bull, they manage to put head into their tyres very well in qualifying. However, the AMR24 also struggles more than its predecessor with tyre management and general race pace.
The extra grip from new tyres in qualifying masks problems, which then return in the race. Almost half a second is lost between Saturday and Sunday compared to Red Bull and Ferrari. This trend is what happened to SF-23 last season.
Up to this point in 2024, F1 has visited medium-high load circuits, with Bahrain proving to be the most challenging in terms of thermal management of the tyres. Tyre degradation was also a notable issue in Jeddah and Melbourne.
Sakhir needed a good balance between medium-slow corners and good traction, while in Saudi Arabia, efficiency and load at high speeds were very important. Melbourne was somewhere in the middle of these two tracks in terms of technical demands.
Suzuka track has different demands, especially due to the stress placed on the tyres and its many high-speed corners. Generally, a medium level of aerodynamic load is required.
Aston Martin also introduces a new floor at Suzuka
Aston Martin will introduce a package of new features for the AMR24 here. These include two new rear wing and beam wing specifications to better adapt to the load levels required at Suzuka and some change of bodywork.
Compared to last season, the Silverstone-produced car is suffering from a less aerodynamic load compared to its direct rivals – Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren. This issue is especially pronounced in the race, while fresh tyres in Qualifying often hide this deficit. The car’s weak point is, above all, at medium and low speeds. At least so far, the team has managed to mitigate any deficits at high speeds.
However, Suzuka’s snake-like first sector could be a problem for a car lacking stability. In this sense, the AMR24 is reminiscent of the SF-23.
If the introduction of the rear wing and beam wing can be classified as ‘track specific’, the technical group led by Dan Fallowes and Luca Furbatto will introduce a much more important update at Suzuka – a new floor. This is the main component for generating performance in this generation of F1 cars.
Not only does the floor unlock performance by increasing efficiency, but they are also critical in creating an ‘aerodynamic platform’. They generate stability and load in a constant and predictable way without sudden peaks or losses. This is a fundamental requirement to be competitive. This year, Aston Martin finds itself lacking in an area where they excelled twelve months ago.
The exception to this is Aston’s DRS, which is almost as efficient as Red Bull’s. However, Aston Martin must find ways to replicate this progress in other areas.
The new floor in Suzuka will be the beginning of the AMR24’s development – which will also take on a significant duality. The short-term objective is to remain competitive at high levels and compete for P4 in the Championship. At the moment, Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren are a few steps ahead.
Furthermore, Aston’s development will be essential in the context of the driver market. The team’s upgrade plan will prove whether or not capable of reaching the highs of 2023. For drivers and engineering personnel across the field, the AMR24’s progress is of huge relevance. Mike Krack’s personnel are juggling several moving parts in the transfer market.
From links to Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen to the possibility of keeping Fernando Alonso or attracting Carlos Sainz, there is a lot at stake for Aston Martin. Lawrence Stroll’s team has confirmed itself as a top-five team. It is now the job of Dan Fallows and his team to continue progressing and get closer to fighting for race wins.
