The third position in the Imola F1 GP does not fully satisfy an ambitious Charles Leclerc: team principal Fred Vasseur commented on Ferrari’s performance in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the Imola circuit.
Starting both from the second row, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari SF-24 cars were unable to attack the leading duo of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The Monegasque driver secured a podium and P2 in the standings, while the Spaniard lost position to Oscar Piastri, finishing fifth at the end of the Imola race.
“Mixed feelings,” admitted Fred Vasseur. “I believe that today’s result was the maximum. It was really difficult to overtake. When we pushed, we got closer, but then the tires overheated. There wasn’t the necessary difference to pass on the track.” – the French manager pointed out.
Blaming the less than stellar qualifying performance, Fred Vasseur’s regret is clear. He elaborated: “We could have done better in qualifying. If we had done better yesterday, today would have been a different story,” he explained. Both drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, agree with the French manager. Qualifying is still the shaky aspect of this SF-24.
“In sixty laps, we had three teams within six seconds. There is less than a tenth of a difference between the three cars, which is good for the championship. Unlike a month ago, now we are there, on pace, fighting with them. There’s certainly still a little step to make, but every weekend will be different,” he said, observing the gap to Max Verstappen. “From track to track, the grid order will be different, depending on setup and car characteristics. It’s positive for the sport.” – he added.
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“Setting different goals? No, no, I just want to improve step by step, race by race.” Fred Vasseur continued at the end of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: “I am sure we will have two extremely motivated drivers in Monaco. We have all the characteristics to do a good job. In Canada, the curbs will be decisive. And there I believe we are in good shape.”
