Frederic Vasseur has no doubts about Charles Leclerc

Frederic Vasseur’s words

Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur took stock: “For Australia we took a different direction for development and I think it worked. The feelings after Melbourne were mixed. In qualifying we were not far from doing a good job, but for different reasons we did not materialize. In the race, however, we were a bit unlucky with the stop just before the red flag. Sainz, however, got back up, made two overtakes and pushed on the tires, bringing himself close to Hamilton and Alonso in the finale. It seems that the direction taken for development is good, but I’m waiting to confirm that in Baku, because what works on one track doesn’t always do so elsewhere.”

“I would never reveal what we did to the car and how it impacted the aerodynamics. In any case, we are looking for something more consistent and it seems we have succeeded. I will have confirmation of that in Baku, under different conditions. It is often an extreme track, because between the buildings the wind changes direction at every corner, and it will be a good exercise for everyone.” From the outside, the only obvious difference between the SF-23 in Australia and the one in Jeddah was the race use of the upgraded bottom. Crossing Vasseur’s various statements, however, the impression is that work was done in Maranello on the set-up to make the car less nervous and more stable at the rear. This has improved the competitiveness of the SF-23 in the race compared to the excellent qualifying performance seen in the first two rounds: “We always have the feeling that we are not too far away from fighting with Red Bull for pole in qualifying, but then we are further away in the race. Red Bull’s advantage in the race in Melbourne was much lower, and that also comes from the possibility for our drivers to push to the limit with full fuel and different tires. If you have a car that is too nervous, in qualifying you can manage it on one lap with new tires, but over the course of the race it is more difficult. In the last two races we have been working in this direction.”

Closing remark on Leclerc: “Not any doubt about Charles’ motivation. The start of the championship was difficult, with two retirements and the penalty in Saudi Arabia. However, the motivation is intact and all this will not affect their morale. When you talk to any driver after qualifying or the race in the track area it is normal for them to appear frustrated, but they continue to support the team. Sainz has been in the simulator all week in Maranello and Leclerc will come next.”