Morale at Ferrari has improved considerably after Charles Leclerc’s first podium of the season at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. After a really difficult Saturday, the Monegasque driver delivered an distinctive race by way of tire administration and tempo, sustaining sturdy efficiency each on Medium and Laborious compounds. He made an unstoppable restoration on George Russell, finally overtaking him, and in addition managed to defend himself in opposition to the ultimate assaults from a fired-up Lando Norris. The Jeddah race showcased, at the very least partially, the potential of the SF-25. Nonetheless, performing properly on Sunday is just not sufficient to intention for victory or constantly attain the rostrum. Leclerc is aware of this and, not surprisingly, emphasised that necessary updates will likely be wanted to deal with the present essential concern for Ferrari: qualifying.
“What we’re lacking now’s qualifying efficiency. It comes a bit from the shortage of aerodynamic downforce in comparison with McLaren, Crimson Bull, and Mercedes,” Charles acknowledged after the Jeddah race. “Our sturdy level, nevertheless, is tire degradation. We noticed in the course of the race that it was superb, however in qualifying we will’t do higher, and that’s the place we lose each weekend.”
“Nonetheless, there are lots of issues that I’ve to be comfortable about. For a number of weekends now, I’ve been understanding one thing that unlocked efficiency, and it’ll unlock much more efficiency for me. It’s been a very long time since I felt as comfy within the automotive as I do now, however we have to discover extra efficiency typically.”
Presently, it appears tough to think about a Ferrari closing the efficiency hole to McLaren in just some races. Leclerc, actually, believes that solely in Barcelona will issues change. In the course of the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, checks on wing flex will likely be stricter, and that’s the place Ferrari hopes—at the very least in keeping with Leclerc’s phrases—to cut back the hole to the MCL39, as a result of drawback the brand new rules ought to carry to the papaya vehicles.
“Successful is the one factor that issues to me. We will meet up with McLaren with the updates that can come. There will even be an necessary race in Spain when the entrance wing will change as a result of rules. We’ll see how the efficiency compares then. Earlier than that weekend, it is going to be tough to shut the hole to McLaren.”
Returning to Ferrari, Charles didn’t conceal his satisfaction with each his personal efficiency—he was comfortable along with his qualifying tempo and the way he managed the race—and the group’s efficiency. The mechanics at Maranello have had a superb season by way of pit stops. Yesterday, they managed to carry out a tire change on Charles Leclerc’s SF-25 (from Medium to Laborious) in simply 2 seconds. An excellent consequence that helped Charles rejoin Russell and make the assault in a slightly quick time. The overtake resulted in a podium, his first of the season.
“I’m proud of my efficiency and the group’s efficiency. As a result of the group did every part completely. The technique was good, the pit cease was good as all the time. The fellows within the pit cease are doing a rare job. There’s a variety of discuss pit stops when there are errors, however not a lot when every part goes properly, and they’re doing an important job.”
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
