Even though the new layout of the Singapore circuit has eliminated a section that Leclerc liked, the Marina Bay track remains one of his favorites. Charles Leclerc emphasized this during the customary pre-race interviews, and his past performances in the steamy nighttime atmosphere of the Asian city-state back this up.
The question mark lies in how much the SF-23 will like the circuit, coming off a positive weekend on a track with nothing in common with what they’ll face starting tomorrow. Ferrari, and Leclerc is no exception, has been talking for a while about work divided between what’s needed in the present and, more importantly, looking toward the future, particularly 2024, which is starting to build significant expectations.
Starting tomorrow, however, it’s all about lap times, and it will be an open battle. Charles Leclerc knows that repeating the performance standards of Monza won’t be easy, but at the same time, he leaves room for possibilities.
We’re on the eve of a weekend in a very different setting from Monza. Are you starting from scratch, or is there something you bring with you from the Italian weekend?
“We learned a lot in Monza, especially regarding our weaknesses. We confirmed that we perform better on low-downforce tracks, so we can deduce that Singapore will be a bit more challenging. But there might be some things that can help us, and even if it’s a small step in the right direction, it will be useful for the 2024 project.”
What do you think about the changes to the track?
“The removed sections were among my favorites, so it’s a bit of a shame for me that they’ve been excluded. It’s the same for everyone, though, and I hope at least this change in the layout might give us more overtaking opportunities. Undoubtedly, the track will be faster, but not enough to allow us to use a Monza-type wing…”
The team talked about an important lesson learned from the Italian Grand Prix weekend in preparation for next year. How optimistic are you about the 2024 project?
“First of all, we know it will be a very different car from what we are using today, a car that will converge a lot of information and concepts we have learned this season and are still learning.”
Looking at this weekend, do you fear overall performance or tire degradation more?
“I believe it will be a matter of overall performance. We’re coming from a weekend where we were clearly the second force on the field, and we know that this weekend will be completely different, a kind of reset due to the different scenario. I believe, in the end, we will be very close, I mean, close to Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin.”
What are your goals?
“I really don’t know because the performance values change very quickly. The trend tells us that on high-downforce tracks, our car is less consistent, but I also have to say that this track is one of my favorites. I hope, of course, that we can confirm ourselves with the same potential as in Monza; that would be very nice, but we’ll see.”
How difficult is it to have to wait almost an entire season to drive a different car?
“You have to be patient, but I imagine it’s the same for everyone. We have the simulator to try out some things, so I can get excited a bit… virtually, looking ahead to next year. In the meantime, I obviously have to do the best job possible with what we have.”
“Sometimes it can be frustrating, but in the end, my job involves giving 100% in any situation I find myself in. I prefer, of course, to be in a position where I can fight for victory and podiums every weekend, but I have to say that weekends like Zandvoort and Monza are still beautiful because you feel like you’re taking steps in the right direction. And that motivates everyone; it gives us an extra push.”
Do you see the team as a cohesive unit?
“I’ve always had 100% confidence in Fred (Vasseur) and his long-term vision. I’m sure he’s going in the right direction. Of course, he needs time, there are short-term changes and others in the long term. We just have to be patient, but I have no doubt that we are working in the right direction.”
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