What are you able to say to somebody like Charles Leclerc? He’s driving a Ferrari that’s something however good, and but, no offense to his multi-medal-winning teammate, yesterday he made a giant distinction with the SF-25 single-seater. Solely getting on the rostrum actually was not the end result anticipated earlier than the beginning of the 2025 System 1 championship. And but yesterday, when he crossed the end line, his satisfaction over the radio exploded after one more sturdy efficiency.
On the finish of each System 1 race comes the same old staff radio, the place driver and race engineer trade sizzling takes on the race. On the 6.174-kilometre Jeddah Corniche Circuit, as talked about, feelings had been excessive. Bryan Bozzi got here on the radio to substantiate third place: “P3, nice race Charles.” Then staff principal Frederic Vasseur chimed in, clearly delighted with the rostrum: “Tremendous Charles, thanks!” The Monegasque driver was clearly emotional however even made a joke.
Recalling the disqualification within the Chinese language Grand Prix, he preemptively talked about he would do some pick-up, specifically amassing tire marbles to extend weight, and recharge the battery. Then he talked concerning the race, calling it a reasonably robust one. He congratulated the entire staff, and though he admitted that third place just isn’t the end result he goals for, he stated he was very happy, satisfied that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix race had been wonderful.
Then he talked concerning the first stint, the place automotive quantity 16 was very sturdy, particularly within the second half after these forward of him made their pit stops. The identical goes for the second stint, the place Charles Leclerc managed the tires extraordinarily properly and held off Lando Norris’s comeback. It was a end result totally earned and pursued by the Ferrari driver, who had already come shut in Japan in his battle with Oscar Piastri throughout a comeback drive.
Charles Leclerc stated he was very happy along with his race and, extra typically, with the Maranello staff’s work. He emphasised how the technique was good and the pit cease impeccable, brazenly praising the mechanics who, in his phrases, usually solely get talked about when one thing goes improper, however who’re really doing an distinctive job that goes unrecognized.
In line with the Monegasque, what Ferrari at the moment lacks is qualifying efficiency. He believes this shortfall primarily stems from an aerodynamic downforce deficit in comparison with Pink Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes. Nonetheless, he acknowledged tire degradation administration as a energy, which actually made the distinction through the race. He admitted that on Saturdays, not less than for now, he isn’t capable of carry out at his greatest, and this impacts the entire weekend.
Regardless of that, Charles Leclerc feels he’s enhancing. The Monegasque driver defined that over the previous few weekends he has been higher understanding some features that, in his view, have allowed him to take a step ahead. He has not felt this comfy in his automotive for a very long time, despite the fact that he’s conscious that extra total efficiency continues to be wanted to really combat on the entrance. That could be a non-negotiable objective for the close to future.
Concerning the combat with McLaren, Charles Leclerc didn’t cover the truth that, for now, the hole continues to be important. However he added that with the appropriate updates, will probably be doable to shut in. Specifically, he recognized the Barcelona spherical as a key second of the 2025 System 1 season, when the Technical Directive on versatile wings will debut, concluding by saying that till that time, will probably be tough to shut the hole. Confidence, nonetheless, stays.
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