When Ferrari launched its 2020 car, everyone watching had the same reaction. Is that the SF90? Well, at first glance the SF1000 appears very similar to its predecessor, but there are subtle differences. Look closely and you will be able to spot tiny differences from the 2019 car.

Ferrari SF1000 vs SF90

First, the front of the car. The nose appears to have borrowed major characteristics from the SF90, with minute changes. The nose now appears longer and has wider air inlets. Additionally, the wishbone system sits closer to the wheel and has been lowered when compared to the SF90. The SF1000 also appears to have a lower suspension setup with a relocated pushrod system.

A pushrod-pull rod system is a suspension system implemented in F1 cars to lower the centre of gravity and maximise efficiency.

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The S-duct also appears to have been redone. The SF1000 has an S-duct that sits at a sharper, higher angle when compared to its predecessor. The S-duct, which was first introduced in 2012, acts like a black hole for dirty air. When F1 cars follow each other closely, the car behind is affected by turbulent air from the car ahead. To minimize the aerodynamic disturbance, teams use the S-duct to channel the dirty air above the car instead of letting it pass below.

Next, the bargeboard area. The SF1000 features a revamped bargeboard area and utilizes a curved design, one that most fans are familiar with. The bargeboard serves two purposes – redirecting airflow and assisting in cooling.

The SF1000 also features minor modifications on the roll hoop and mirrors. The roll hoop now features ‘horns’ around the side, reminiscent of F1 cars in 2007 and 2008. This could assist in controlling flows. Furthermore, the 2020 car features a ‘wedged’ mirror design. The mirror now has a cover on top with the traditional design that connects with the cockpit.

Tweaks galore

The 2020 car also features subtle changes done to the sidepod. Ferrari seems to have gone the Red Bull way with the sidepods sitting lower. The SF90, on the other hand, featured a more pronounced sidepod. Furthermore, the design includes a sharp curve on the outside culminating with a more compact design. Sidepods serve as a cooling mechanism and safety structure in the event of a crash.

The engine cover also features a minor modification. The SF1000 features a ‘ridge’ leading to the tail fin of the car. Previously, the SF90 had a long uninterrupted design which spread from the roll hoop towards the rear wing.

These are some of the technical changes that have been implemented in the 2020 car. Additionally, there are a few cosmetic changes implemented in the SF1000.

The most noticeable change lies in the new driver number graphics. Scuderia Ferrari has reverted to a 2018 like style, featuring a bolder, sharper design which is easier to read. The number display change has been applied to both, the nose and engine cover of the car.

Next, a very subtle change that’s quite easy to miss. Ferrari has implemented the iconic Italian tricolour along the bargeboard and rear of the car. An eloquent tribute by the Scuderia to its rich heritage.

Well, Mattia Binotto definitely wasn’t joking when he said the team had implemented ‘extreme’ changes. Only the first race in  Melbourne will be an indicator if  Ferrari’s efforts have paid dividends.