On the morning of October 1st, Charles Leclerc returned to the track at Fiorano for routine testing as Ferrari prepares to welcome Loic Serra. In fact, as specified in the official announcement, the Frenchman officially starts his work with the Maranello team on October 1st.
After a week off following the Singapore Grand Prix, it was time for the Monegasque driver to hit the track again. At Fiorano, he was captured driving the SF-21 before handing the car over to F1 Clienti.
But that may not be the only reason for the test. The long break before Austin could also be a factor. This year’s calendar includes a second one-month break after the summer pause. Following Singapore, the next race won’t take place until Austin on October 18th, the first of three consecutive races (followed by Mexico and Brazil).
The tests could thus serve both as a way to maintain physical form and avoid being limited to simulator use, and as preparation for the future. The use of the SF-21 could be a means to collect data with an eye on 2026, when the regulations will change.
Additionally, while Charles Leclerc is driving at the Fiorano circuit, work meetings are beginning in Maranello with Loic Serra and Jerome D’Ambrosio. For the Belgian sports director, it is also his first day working with Ferrari. Loic Serra will be the new technical director (replacing Enrico Cardile) while Jerome D’Ambrosio will officially serve as deputy team principal, supporting Frederic Vasseur.
In short, Ferrari is working for the immediate future, but also for the coming seasons, hoping to finally be in contention for the world championship title that has been absent from Maranello for too many years.
.@charles_leclerc takes one last ride with the SF21 before we hand the keys over to F1 Clienti 🤝 pic.twitter.com/gKTtcC8bRZ
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) October 1, 2024
Source: f1ingenerale
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