FERRARI 248 F1

   The 248 F1 is the fifty-second single-seater built by Scuderia Ferrari to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship, identified internally by the Scuderia code 657. With the new technical regulations, Ferrari had to completely redesign the previous car, particularly due to the major innovation represented by the new 2400 cc V8 engines. At the helm of the Maranello team for 2006 was again Jean Todt, who slightly reshaped the fantastic technical staff that had brought Ferrari to the top of the world in the early 2000s by introducing a few new figures. Ross Brawn remained as Technical Director, while Rory Byrne continued as Design and Development Director. Ignazio Lunetta was replaced as head of research and development by newcomer Gérald Brussoz. Another new addition was Tiziano Battistini, who took on the role of Head of Chassis Design, working in close collaboration with Aldo Costa (Chief Designer), Marco Fainello (Head of Vehicle Dynamics), and John Iley (Head of Aerodynamics). Marco De Luca was confirmed as Chief Aerodynamicist, while Paolo Martinelli and Gilles Simon remained directly responsible for engine design.

FERRARI 248 F1, Micheal Schumacher
Imola, San Marino GP 2006

   Ferrari developed the new 248 F1 starting from the engine itself, from which the car takes its name (24 for the engine’s displacement and 8 for the number of cylinders). This marked Ferrari’s return to a Formula 1 V8 engine, the last one having been used in 1964 on the 158 F1 driven by John Surtees, Lorenzo Bandini, and Nino Vaccarella. The new Ferrari 056 engine was mounted longitudinally with a load-bearing function. Its design phase began as early as spring 2005, taking into account the strict limitations imposed by the new FIA technical regulations in terms of V-angle, weight, size, and center of gravity. The first prototype of the 056 was track-tested as early as August, with development initially carried out using an F2004 chassis. In 2006, engines were required to last at least two consecutive Grands Prix, making Shell’s support (as the fuel and oil supplier) even more crucial in defining the most suitable fuels and lubricants to achieve reliability and performance goals. Power delivery was also a key feature of the new 056, which, as per regulations, had a fixed-geometry intake manifold, replacing the previously variable one. Engine management was handled by an integrated injection and ignition system provided by Magneti Marelli. As always, great attention was devoted to efficiency and material optimization, as well as design and quality control, in pursuit of maximum performance. The first prototype of the new V8 produced around 740 hp, but modifications during the year increased output to approximately 796 hp by season’s end. The gearbox, featuring seven forward gears plus reverse, was an evolution of the carbon version introduced on the F2005 and retained its longitudinal layout.

FERRARI 248 F1, Felipe Massa
 Montréal, Canadian GP 2006

   The 248 F1 chassis was lighter than its predecessor and redesigned, modifying the sidepod inlets and the deflector area. The cooling system was extensively revised, not only to accommodate the new engine but mainly to reduce internal aerodynamic drag within the sidepods. One of the most noticeable innovations was the positioning of the rear-view mirrors, now located at the outer edge of the sidepods rather than beside the cockpit. Other major changes included the air intake above the driver’s head, the engine cover, the size of the fuel tank, the aerodynamic appendages on the sidepods, and the exhaust layout. The front suspension retained the classic Maranello configuration (double wishbones, push-rods, torsion bar springs, telescopic dampers), while the rear suspension was redesigned with the goal of improving overall aerodynamic efficiency and optimizing the mechanical use of Bridgestone tires, thanks also to collaboration with the Fiat Research Center. For this purpose, the diffuser profile and underbody were deeply revised. Special attention, in collaboration with Sachs, was given to shock absorbers to improve tire warm-up. As in 2005, considerable work was done on electronics, again with Magneti Marelli’s support, and continuous cooperation with Brembo led to further progress in the braking system.

FERRARI 248 F1, Micheal Schumacher
Catalunya-Barcelona, Spanish GP 2006

   Unlike in previous seasons, when Ferrari started the year with the previous car while developing the new one, the 248 F1 was used from the very first race, debuting with a novel triple-layer front wing. After the first three races, however, it was replaced by a more traditional double-layer wing to improve airflow to the car’s underside and diffuser. The 248 F1 was also the last Ferrari Formula 1 car to use a single keel. From the French Grand Prix onward, a revised rear bodywork was introduced, featuring a tighter lower section around the exhausts. In contrast with recent practice, the car was unveiled on January 24 at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany (owned by Ferrari itself), where the team was already conducting pre-season testing with its confirmed drivers: Germany’s Michael Schumacher and Brazil’s Felipe Massa.

FERRARI 248 F1, Micheal Schumacher
Interlagos, Brazilian GP 2006  

   From the outset, the car performed well, at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Ferrari locked out the front row in qualifying. However, reliability issues limited its race performance, with only Schumacher scoring points, finishing second. In the next two races, things worsened as the car couldn’t match the pace of its main rival, the Renault R26. Performance improved significantly from the third race onward, and as upgrades continued through the season, the 248 F1 became regarded as the fastest car overall. The 248 F1 won 7 of the last 9 races. Massa claimed his first career victory at the Turkish Grand Prix and later triumphed again at his home race in Brazil. Thanks to the car’s improved performance, Ferrari and Schumacher managed to close the gap to Renault and Fernando Alonso in both championships. However, Schumacher suffered an engine failure while leading the Japanese Grand Prix, effectively ending his title hopes, and Ferrari ultimately lost the Constructors’ Championship to Renault by just 5 points. The 248 F1 was also the car with which Schumacher achieved his final Formula 1 victory, at the Chinese Grand Prix, while Massa secured an emotional win at the final race in Brazil. There, Schumacher, delayed early by a puncture and nearly a lap down, mounted a spectacular comeback to finish fourth in what would be his last race for Ferrari. In total, the 248 F1 achieved 9 wins and 7 pole positions, finishing second in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. The 248 F1 was also used on January 23, 2007, at the Vallelunga Circuit during pre-season testing by Ferrari’s new driver, Kimi Räikkönen.