The Abu Dhabi weekend couldn’t have began worse for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc obtained a 10-place grid penalty for altering his battery (the third unit of the season), and that’s not all. The SF-24 as soon as once more confirmed important difficulties in getting ready for qualifying laps, as already seen in Las Vegas and Lusail.
On the finish of the primary two free apply classes for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari’s crew principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport Italia to assessment the primary day on monitor at Yas Marina.
Fred Vasseur, a difficult begin…
“We needed to change the battery, and this can imply a penalty on Sunday. It’s definitely not the best begin, however we should preserve the identical method, assault, and see the place we’re on Sunday night. It was undoubtedly not a constructive begin to the weekend; that’s for positive.”
Is successful the Constructors’ title now not possible?
“It’s not not possible, but it surely’s very troublesome. Statistically, it’s extraordinarily difficult, and now, with the penalty, it’s even more durable. However we received’t let this get us down. We’ll maintain pushing till the final nook of the final lap with each vehicles to extract the utmost from what we’ve got after which see the place McLaren finally ends up. Nonetheless, we should concentrate on ourselves; it will be a mistake to dwell an excessive amount of on the rivals.”
Evidently even right here in Yas Marina, completely warming up the tires is essential to getting probably the most out of the Softs. Is that the case?
“Sure, tire preparation is essential right here as effectively. It’s the identical story because the final three occasions for us. If we have a look at Las Vegas and Qatar, it’s all the time associated to trace temperature. It’s very troublesome to seek out the suitable working window to make use of the tires successfully from the beginning. You need to optimize every part from one set of tires to the subsequent, from one session to the subsequent. However crucial lap would be the last one in Q3. So we nonetheless have some units of Softs to attempt to be prepared on the essential second. Apart from this, the automobile’s steadiness is sweet, and we’re completely happy. We simply want to organize effectively for qualifying laps.”
Are you stunned by McLaren’s efficiency at this time?
“I’m not stunned by McLaren’s efficiency. They’ve been doing very effectively. Final weekend, they had been barely behind in apply after which recovered. Verstappen, alternatively, was very robust on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the alternative. When the monitor adjustments, it’s a must to adapt, however the window could be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“Total, to this point, it’s been an excellent season for us. Wanting on the wins, poles, and information, we’ve received 5 races and scored 55% extra factors than final yr. The path is true. Moreover, we’re in competition for the Constructors’ title, which is an effective signal. Nonetheless, we should keep targeted as one race continues to be left, and it’s crucial. However total, it’s been an excellent season. I’m proud of the crew; we’ve made progress, and it’s one of the best ways to look towards the longer term.”
What do you want to enhance on the 2025 automobile?
“We have to enhance every part. But when I needed to level out one space, I’d say qualifying lap preparation. Right this moment, Charles encountered visitors, which isn’t very best for getting ready a lap. Carlos missed FP1 and needed to intensify his work within the afternoon to catch up. I’m not anxious as a result of there’s nonetheless a protracted technique to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on monitor collectively?
“I believe Charles was probably the most excited. Arthur did an amazing job all season on the simulator, and it was crucial to offer him monitor time to match the 2 vehicles. We may solely do that in FP1, and he did effectively. Engaged on the simulator isn’t simple. He made an enormous contribution all through the season.”
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