Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur attributed the team’s commanding performance at the United States Grand Prix to the improved driveability of the SF-24 single-seater, which the French manager says was the key factor behind their dominance at the Austin circuit, in the 19th round of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign.
The Italian side started strong at the 5.513-kilometre Circuit of The Americas in Austin, securing the second row with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc qualifying third and fourth respectively. When the race began, both drivers had excellent launches, and the Monegasque driver gained track position when Max Verstappen and Lando Norris went wide. Despite an early safety car, Charles Leclerc held off the Dutchman during the restart and gradually extended his lead, ultimately securing his third win of the season with a flawless drive.
His Maranello teammate faced early technical issues but managed to recover after Ferrari made a critical adjustment. He successfully undercut Verstappen during the pit stops and then built a gap, ensuring Ferrari’s second 1-2 finish of the year. Frederic Vasseur, reflecting on Ferrari’s dominant display in Texas, emphasized that the car’s enhanced handling played a crucial role in their victory.
“It was the perfect Sunday. We have done a very good job this weekend, scoring a lot of points but we have to stay focussed and not think we are champions just because of today’s result. Our pace was always under control as was the strategy with both drivers and when you have the slight advantage we had today, it is much easier to do a good job. The car has improved a lot in terms of its driveability compared to where we were a few races ago and that has contributed to the result. Charles had a perfect start and managed the tyres well, while with Carlos we had to pit him earlier than planned in order to undercut Max (Verstappen). Once he was in free air he was able to set his pace and he was able to secure second place.” – the French manager explained at the end of the United States Grand Prix.
As Formula One shifts its focus to next weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, which is scheduled to be held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has cautioned that the competitive landscape could change once more due to the distinct characteristics of the Mexican circuit.
“Next week in Mexico will be a completely different story with the altitude making it a one-off race, adding to the challenge, where you have to focus a lot on cooling. Just because you are quick in Austin, it doesn’t mean you will be quick in Mexico. This one-two is great motivation for next week. As for the championship, we are taking it one race at a time, but there are still plenty of points available, including those from the Sprints so everything is still possible. Now we are completely focussed on Mexico where we hope to continue this positive trend,” – the Ferrari team principal pointed out following the Austin race.
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