Despite a positive start to the 2024 Formula 1 season, crowned by Carlos Sainz’s impressive victory at the Albert Park circuit in the Australian Grand Prix, many preferred to wait for the Japanese Grand Prix to assess the value of the Ferrari SF-24.
The Suzuka circuit, one of the most demanding in terms of tire degradation, had seriously challenged the Charles Leclerc – Carlos Sainz duo last year. In some ways, even this year in the Land of the Rising Sun, there was no competition. The Red Bull one-two, with Max Verstappen ahead of Sergio Perez, was never in doubt.
Behind the Milton Keyens duo, however, Scuderia Ferrari has firmly established itself as the second force in the early part of the championship. But now Charles Leclerc wants more.
Leclerc: here’s how we will catch Red Bull
“For now, Red Bull is too far ahead,” explains the Monegasque to Sky Sport’s microphones after the Suzuka race. “In the early part of the season, we are doing our best to maximize the points.”
Yet, the #16 is convinced that, with some targeted updates, the Prancing Horse will be able to close the gap with Red Bull.
“When the updates arrive, I believe we will be able to challenge them. That will be the moment when we will put pressure on them, hoping to take away as many points as possible from them. And who knows, maybe we’ll have a nice surprise at the end of the year.” – he pointed out.
To narrow the gap with Red Bull, Scuderia Ferrari intends to introduce a massive package of updates at the Imola circuit for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix weekend. Unlike their rivals from Milton Keyens, the Italian side has not yet made significant changes to the car, except for some minor aerodynamic interventions. The SF-24 will debut in EVO version at the Imola circuit, with more extreme sidepods and narrower radiator inlets.
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Charles Leclerc returns to Maranello awaiting China
While waiting for the upgrades, according to reports, Charles Leclerc took advantage of the break before the Chinese GP to return to Maranello.
The Monegasque intends to work on the simulator to adjust the out lap phase. So far, the Monegasque driver has struggled with rear axle temperature during Qualifying, failing to extract the potential of a car that seems to suffer from a certain weakness in this aspect.
It is likely that the Scuderia’s intention is also to allow the two drivers to “warm up” the tires earlier, in order to exploit optimal grip throughout the lap.
Source: f1ingenerale
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