Introduction
The Ferrari F138 is a Formula One racing car that was used by Ferrari for the 2013 season. It was driven by Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa and was powered by a 2.4 litre naturally aspirated V8 engine. The car scored two victories and six podiums, and finished third in the Constructors’ Championship. The F138 was the last Ferrari Formula One car to use a naturally aspirated engine, and marked the end of the V8 era in Formula One.
Design
The F138 was designed by Nicholas Tombazis, Pat Fry and Aldo Costa. It was the first Ferrari Formula One car to feature a pull-rod suspension since the F310B in 1996. It also featured a larger front wing, a more compact gearbox and a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the F2012. The car was also fitted with a new type of exhaust system.
Performance
The F138 proved to be a competitive car, with Alonso and Massa scoring two wins, six podiums and eleven top-five finishes between them. The team also scored four pole positions and seven fastest laps, and Alonso finished fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.
Engine
The F138 was powered by a 2.4 litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, which was supplied by Ferrari. The engine was capable of producing a maximum power output of 750 bhp, and had an estimated fuel consumption of 2.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
Transmission
The F138 was fitted with a semi-automatic seven-speed gearbox, which was supplied by Ferrari. The gearbox featured a reverse gear, and the ratios could be adjusted remotely by the engineers.
Aerodynamics
The F138 featured a number of aerodynamic features, including a double-decker diffuser, a venturi tunnel, a high-mounted rear wing and a flat floor. The car also featured a drag reduction system, which helped to reduce drag and improve overtaking performance.
Tyres
The F138 was fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres, which were manufactured by Pirelli. The tyres were designed to provide optimum grip and maximum performance.
Testing
The F138 was tested extensively during the pre-season, and Alonso and Massa both completed long runs during the first test in Barcelona. The car also performed well in the second test in Jerez, and completed a total of 862 laps with no major issues.
Debut
The F138 made its competitive debut at the 2013 Australian Grand Prix, where Alonso finished fourth and Massa finished fifth. The car went on to score two victories, at the Spanish Grand Prix and the German Grand Prix, and six podiums throughout the season.
Conclusion
The 2013 Ferrari F138 was a competitive car, and was the last Ferrari Formula One car to feature a naturally aspirated engine. The car scored two victories and six podiums, and finished third in the Constructors’ Championship.
Gallery of 2013 Ferrari F138
The 2013 Ferrari F138 was a competitive car, capable of scoring two victories and six podiums.
The car was powered by a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, which was capable of producing a maximum power output of 750 bhp.
The car was fitted with a semi-automatic seven-speed gearbox, which was supplied by Ferrari.
The car featured a number of aerodynamic features, including a double-decker diffuser, a venturi tunnel, a high-mounted rear wing and a flat floor.
The car was fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres, which were designed to provide optimum grip and maximum performance.
The F138 made its competitive debut at the 2013 Australian Grand Prix, where Alonso finished fourth and Massa finished fifth.
Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa scored two wins, six podiums and eleven top-five finishes between them.
The F138 went on to finish third in the Constructors’ Championship.
The car marked the end of the V8 era in Formula One.
