Charles Leclerc and Baku seem to have an almost natural connection. Over the years, the Monegasque driver’s performance on the 6.003-kilometre Baku City Circuit has been outstanding, with 4 pole positions out of 5 qualifying sessions. A video posted by Ferrari a few hours ago confirms Charles Leclerc’s exceptional performance on the Baku street circuit. In the short video, the Monegasque manages to complete the lap in an extraordinary way and requests a strange update for his Baku-spec SF-24.
As mentioned a few days ago, Ferrari plans to bring additional updates to the SF-24, but not for the Baku circuit. The next upgrade will come between Singapore and Austin, where a new front wing will debut to improve the front end of the 676.
This will serve as a foundation for the 2025 car and is expected to incorporate some principles seen on the MCL38. However, there is still uncertainty about next year’s changes, as the FIA might alter the regulations.
Returning to the Baku video, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc complete a lap of the circuit in the simulator, with the Monegasque driving a peculiar version of the SF-24. The challenge in this episode is to drive with the brake, accelerator, and gear shift controls reversed.
During this lap, Charles Leclerc makes very few mistakes, despite the difficulties of “braking to accelerate” and “accelerating to brake.” He only slightly touches the barriers exiting turns 2 and 4, while the passage through the Castle section is flawless. Enthusiastic about the lap, Charles Leclerc states: “I’ll ask for this in the next race [Baku].” Carlos Sainz immediately jokes in response: “That’s the update. Ask the mechanics, ‘switch my pedals.’”
The lap was completed in almost the same time as in 2023, around 1:43. Pleased with the test, Charles Leclerc jokingly declares himself “Baku Champion with reversed pedals.” Will he be able to repeat this success in real life this weekend in Azerbaijan?
Source: f1ingenerale
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