The Losail qualifying session confirmed what was already evident in the Sprint. Frederic Vasseur’s Ferrari will need a true miracle in Qatar to avoid being outclassed by McLaren.
As anticipated, the British team appears to have a significant advantage, especially in single-lap speed. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will start ahead of the two SF-24s, which, however, can rely on a rather competitive race pace. Based on what was seen in the Sprint, both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz demonstrated a rhythm not too far from their rivals, potentially making for a closely contested Grand Prix.
Of course, Ferrari would need to finish ahead of both McLarens to keep their hopes alive for the Constructors’ title—a challenging but not impossible mission, as Fred Vasseur confirmed after qualifying. “We will fight until the last corner of the last lap in Abu Dhabi,” the team principal stated.
Fred Vasseur explains Ferrari’s strategy
“We know we have to finish ahead of them to put pressure on them. The important thing, however, will be to do our best and focus only on our race,” Fred Vasseur added. “We must not make stupid mistakes because the race is long, and taking unnecessary risks doesn’t make sense.”
“We will try to extract the maximum from our car. So far, tire management in the opening laps has been crucial, and this could prove decisive in the race,” the former Alfa Romeo boss concluded ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, which will take place today at the 5.419-kilometre Lusail International Circuit.
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