The Abu Dhabi weekend couldn’t have began worse for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc acquired 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 vital difficulties in getting ready for qualifying laps, as already seen in Las Vegas and Lusail.
On the finish of the primary two free observe periods for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari’s group principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport Italia to overview 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 actually not the perfect begin, however we should preserve the identical strategy, assault, and see the place we’re on Sunday night. It was undoubtedly not a optimistic begin to the weekend; that’s for positive.”
Is profitable the Constructors’ title now unattainable?
“It’s not unattainable, but it surely’s very troublesome. Statistically, it’s extraordinarily difficult, and now, with the penalty, it’s even more durable. However we gained’t let this get us down. We’ll hold pushing till the final nook of the final lap with each automobiles to extract the utmost from what now we have after which see the place McLaren finally ends up. Nonetheless, we should deal with ourselves; it will be a mistake to dwell an excessive amount of on the rivals.”
Plainly 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 take a look at Las Vegas and Qatar, it’s all the time associated to trace temperature. It’s very troublesome to search out the correct working window to make use of the tires successfully from the beginning. You could optimize every little thing from one set of tires to the subsequent, from one session to the subsequent. However crucial lap would be the ultimate one in Q3. So we nonetheless have some units of Softs to attempt to be prepared on the essential second. Except for this, the automotive’s steadiness is sweet, and we’re completely satisfied. We simply want to arrange effectively for qualifying laps.”
Are you shocked by McLaren’s efficiency at present?
“I’m not shocked by McLaren’s efficiency. They’ve been doing very effectively. Final weekend, they have been barely behind in observe after which recovered. Verstappen, alternatively, was very robust on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the other. When the monitor modifications, you need to adapt, however the window may be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“General, up to now, it’s been a great season for us. Wanting on the wins, poles, and knowledge, we’ve gained 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 remains to be left, and it’s crucial. However general, it’s been a great season. I’m pleased with the group; we’ve made progress, and it’s one of the simplest ways to look towards the longer term.”
What do you’ll want to enhance on the 2025 automotive?
“We have to enhance every little thing. But when I needed to level out one space, I’d say qualifying lap preparation. At the moment, Charles encountered site visitors, which isn’t perfect for getting ready a lap. Carlos missed FP1 and needed to intensify his work within the afternoon to catch up. I’m not fearful as a result of there’s nonetheless a protracted option to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on monitor collectively?
“I feel Charles was probably the most excited. Arthur did an awesome job all season on the simulator, and it was mandatory to provide him monitor time to match the 2 automobiles. We may solely do that in FP1, and he did effectively. Engaged on the simulator isn’t straightforward. He made an enormous contribution all through the season.”
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