Super Formula Sf23 – Honda

Learn about Super Formula Sf23 – Honda

TL;DR – Rookie Quick Start

• Feels planted and super responsive at speed, but twitchy and traction-limited in slow corners.
• The single most important skill is a smooth brake release (trail braking) so the front stays loaded without locking.
• Most rookie spins come from mashing the throttle out of slow turns or lifting suddenly in fast ones.
• Mistakes at high speed can be scary because aero grip disappears if you slide; it’s forgiving only when you’re smooth.
• The car rewards smoothness and patience on entry, then confident but progressive throttle on exit.
• Mental cue: Hard brake, bleed off to the apex, squeeze throttle—no sudden moves.

1. What This Car Is

• The Super Formula SF23 – Honda is a modern, high-downforce open-wheel car similar in pace to top-level junior single-seaters, with a push-to-pass style “Overtake” system.
• In iRacing, it typically runs as a higher license open-wheel series (commonly B-class), above F3 and below the fastest A-class cars like F1/IndyCar.
• Best for drivers who enjoy aero grip, precise inputs, and strategic use of power boosts; great if you’re moving up from F3 or coming from GTs and want a true “aero car.”
• Different from other ladder cars because it has very high downforce for its weight, strong brakes, no driver aids, and an Overtake button that changes how you plan attacks and exits.

2. Key Specifications (Beginner-Relevant)

• Engine and drivetrain: Turbocharged 2.0L inline-4, rear-wheel drive. Translation: strong midrange torque that can spin the rears if you’re greedy.
• Power and weight: Roughly 550–620 hp (with Overtake) and around 660–700 kg. Translation: huge power-to-weight; respect the throttle in slow corners.
• Tires: Spec slicks. Translation: need temperature; they’ll feel snappy when cold and unhappy if you slide them.
• Downforce level: High. Translation: the faster you go, the more it sticks—commit to fast corners but be smooth to keep the aero working.
• Gearbox: Paddle-shift sequential. Translation: no clutch needed on upshifts; avoid early downshifts that spike engine braking and unsettle the rear.
• Driver aids: No ABS, no traction control. Translation: you must modulate brake pressure and throttle yourself.
• Series format: Often available in both fixed and open-setup series. Translation: start in fixed to learn the car; move to open when you want to tune handling.

3. Driving Tips for This Car Braking

• Brake hard in a straight line while the aero is “on,” then smoothly release pressure as speed drops (trail braking). If you hold too much brake late, the fronts lock.
• Expect shorter braking zones at high speed (aero grip) and longer ones at low speed (less aero). Adjust your brake release to match.
• If you feel front lock-up, slightly reduce pressure and open the steering a touch—don’t fully jump off the pedal.

Corner Entry and Mid-Corner

• Turn with small, progressive steering inputs. Quick stabs yank weight off the rear and kill aero stability.
• Let the car rotate with trail brake and minimal steering. If you’re sawing at the wheel, you entered too fast or released the brake too abruptly.

Throttle and Exits

• Squeeze the throttle; don’t stab it. Aim for a smooth, linear application that keeps rear slip just under the limit.
• Short-shift on bumpy exits or in very slow corners if traction is marginal; it calms wheelspin.
• The Overtake button adds power—use it once the car is straight or nearly straight to avoid lighting up the rears.

Keeping It Stable Over a Lap

• Warm the tires with a clean out-lap: firm, straight-line brakes and a couple of progressive accelerations work better than weaving.
• Avoid big slides; they overheat and grease the tires, which then hurts you for several corners.
• Ride curbs selectively. Flat curbs are fine; tall or saw-tooth curbs can bottom the floor and snap the car.

Habits to Practice

• Pick and stick to brake references; then work on a consistent brake release to the apex.
• On exit, count “one-one-thousand” as you begin to squeeze throttle—this builds a repeatable, progressive application.

4. Common Beginner Mistakes

• Over-slowing or under-rotating on entry: Braking too long and straight makes the car push. Fix: Trail off the pedal earlier and let the front bite; trust the aero.
• Throttle stabs out of hairpins: Immediate 100% throttle causes wheelspin and snaps. Fix: Roll on the power; short-shift if needed and straighten the wheel first.
• Early downshifts for engine braking: This locks the rears and destabilizes entry. Fix: Downshift only when revs allow; keep a small brake pressure as you downshift.
• Abrupt lifts in fast corners: Lifting suddenly removes rear load and can cause a high-speed spin. Fix: If you must lift, do it gently and progressively.
• Attacking big curbs: Launching over tall kerbs unsettles the floor and shocks the tires. Fix: Use flatter curbs; straddle or avoid the big ones.
• Overusing Overtake mid-corner: The extra power mid-turn overwhelms rear grip. Fix: Save Overtake for exits and straights when the car is pointed.

5. Who Should Drive This Car

• You’ll enjoy it if you like precision, high-speed commitment, and planning passes with power management.
• It builds skills in brake release, aero driving, traction management, and racecraft around an overtake system.
• It prepares you well for top-tier open-wheel cars (A-class) like modern F1-style machinery or IndyCar, and it’s a natural step after mastering F3.