Luigi Mazzola commented on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix during the Sky Race Anatomy program, speaking about Lewis Hamilton’s difficulties driving the Ferrari.
Luigi Mazzola’s words
Here is what the former Ferrari engineer said: “I have the impression that the team, maybe also following Lewis Hamilton’s indications, suggested a setup path to try to control the rear balance, perhaps introducing even more understeer.”
“I think that Charles [Leclerc] said, ‘I don’t care about oversteer, actually, give me even more, I know how to drive a car like that’ [with oversteer]. In my opinion, he put the car even more in crisis in terms of balance, but made it more performant thanks to the greater aerodynamic load at the front. The rest has to come from him through his driving. Everyone looks for the balance they are most comfortable with. But let’s think: a Formula 1 car is fast when it has downforce and efficiency.” – the former Ferrari team member explained.
“When Charles Leclerc has a car with more downforce, without suffering from drag [that is, without sacrificing efficiency], and he can manage it, he has a faster, more performant car. However, be careful: this [balance] situation cannot be adapted to every track. Developments in Leclerc’s or Hamilton’s direction? The team just wants to improve the car’s performance; it is not trying to change the balance, which is not so easy.” – he added.
“Putting more efficiency into the car is an advantage for both drivers, but the balance problem will remain,” Luigi Mazzola concluded.
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