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 when it comes to tire administration and tempo, sustaining robust efficiency each on Medium and Arduous compounds. He made an unstoppable restoration on George Russell, ultimately overtaking him, and likewise managed to defend himself in opposition to the ultimate assaults from a fired-up Lando Norris. The Jeddah race showcased, not less than partially, the potential of the SF-25. Nonetheless, performing nicely on Sunday just isn’t sufficient to goal for victory or persistently attain the rostrum. Leclerc is aware of this and, not surprisingly, emphasised that vital updates will likely be wanted to deal with the present important problem for Ferrari: qualifying.
“What we’re lacking now could be qualifying efficiency. It comes a bit from the dearth of aerodynamic downforce in comparison with McLaren, Crimson Bull, and Mercedes,” Charles said after the Jeddah race. “Our robust level, nonetheless, is tire degradation. We noticed in the course of the race that it was excellent, however in qualifying we are able to’t do higher, and that’s the place we lose each weekend.”
“Nonetheless, there are various issues that I’ve to be completely happy 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 snug within the automotive as I do now, however we have to discover extra efficiency basically.”
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. Throughout the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, checks on wing flex will likely be stricter, and that’s the place Ferrari hopes—not less than in line with Leclerc’s phrases—to scale back the hole to the MCL39, as a result of drawback the brand new rules ought to deliver to the papaya vehicles.
“Profitable is the one factor that issues to me. We will meet up with McLaren with the updates that can come. There may also be an vital 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 disguise his satisfaction with each his personal efficiency—he was completely happy together with his qualifying tempo and the way he managed the race—and the workforce’s efficiency. The mechanics at Maranello have had a wonderful season when it comes to pit stops. Yesterday, they managed to carry out a tire change on Charles Leclerc’s SF-25 (from Medium to Arduous) in simply 2 seconds. An important outcome that helped Charles rejoin Russell and make the assault in a moderately brief time. The overtake resulted in a podium, his first of the season.
“I’m pleased with my efficiency and the workforce’s efficiency. As a result of the workforce did every part completely. The technique was good, the pit cease was good as all the time. The blokes within the pit cease are doing a unprecedented job. There’s a variety of speak about pit stops when there are errors, however not a lot when every part goes nicely, and they’re doing an important job.”
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