Charles Leclerc sets Ferrari goal summer tasks: understanding unpredictable SF-23

The checkered flag of the Belgian Grand Prix brings the first half of the 2023 Formula 1 season to a close. Spa-Francorchamps was the last stop before the summer break, and Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc heads into the vacation with a podium in Belgium. The Maranello team’s objective during the August break will be to understand the SF-23.

Speaking to Sky Sport F1, the Monegasque driver of Ferrari expressed his surprise at the results achieved at Spa: “Were we surprised by our competitiveness? Honestly, yes. Before Budapest, if I had to bet on a track favorable to us, I would have bet on Hungary, not Spa-Francorchamps.” – Charles Leclerc admitted at the end of the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver continued: “It turned out to be the opposite; we need to focus on that. As soon as possible, we must analyze this factor because our car should have been stronger in Budapest. In Hungary, we didn’t optimize our potential, but here in Belgium, we did, and we brought home a decent result.” – he pointed out.

Then, he commented on the gap to the team from Milton Keynes (Red Bull Racing): “There is still a lot to do to catch up with Red Bull. This weekend, we were strong in every condition, but we still lack a lot in the race: they do something with the tires that we don’t know how to do yet, they can push at 100% right from the start.”

“While the podium is pleasing, we must not be satisfied with just this result,” he explained. “We still need to work; the road is long, but going on vacation with a podium is better than nothing.” – the Monegasque said.

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The objective for the summer break is clear in Charles Leclerc’s mind: “I believe there’s still something we don’t fully understand about this car. The Spa-Budapest example is perfect. We expected the opposite of what happened, but it’s nice to have positive surprises.” – the Ferrari man concluded.