Scuderia Ferrari kicked off the 2018 Formula 1 season by revealing its new challenger, the SF71-H, Thursday (Feb. 22) at their headquarters in Maranello, Italy.
The team is hoping for a recovery following its tough campaign against defenders Mercedes that saw the Italian organization lose its championship hold midway through last season. Both Sebastian Vettel and teammate Kimi Raikkonen are hoping that this year’s design will challenge for the top spot and conclude the 10-year dry spell that has haunted Scuderia in winning a world championship in all categories.
The car has now a longer wheelbase in the front to extract a more aerodynamic effect , and the sidepods have changed dramatically in comparison to last year’s model. It is more of an aggressive design that allows more airflow into the back of the car.
It's photo time! ? #BringYourPassion #SF71H pic.twitter.com/Plf10xXk4k
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 22, 2018
The major sponsor of the team, Spanish bank Santander, no longer is on the car, making the new Ferrari very red in its livery.
“Some minor things change every year, but the chassis is mostly a development — and now is obviously the time where you see the car, it’s all ready, so you want to get in, go out on the track and have a go,” Vettel told Autoweek. “It’s a lot of hours, a lot of work that goes in. Not just during the offseason or winter but even very early during last season, starting the new project and to stand here now (surrounded by the team) is very special.”
Vettel scored five wins and 13 podium finishes in 2017, finishing the season second in the driver standings. Meanwhile, Raikkonen concluded the season with seven podiums.
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Regardless of the car, Ferrari has to cure there tendency to go into full tilt Keystone Kops mode at the worst possible time.