The Hungarian Grand Prix for Ferrari had the life like aim of fourth and fifth positions, aiming to outperform Lewis Hamilton. The goal was partly achieved, however there’s additionally a way of a missed alternative. Max Verstappen’s mistake on the flip 1 braking level (whereas battling with Lewis Hamilton) unexpectedly opened the door to the rostrum, a chance promptly seized by Mercedes. In abstract, Ferrari was not affected by bouncing on the Hungaroring because it was at Silverstone, however it remained the fourth power.
Total, the SF-24 was extra aggressive within the race than in a single quick lap. Within the first stint, Charles Leclerc (who had a superb begin) was three seconds behind Max Verstappen and two behind Lewis Hamilton after fifteen laps. His technique, which concerned an extended stint than the 2 rivals, introduced him again on observe on lap 23, seven seconds behind the Dutchman and twelve behind the seven-time Method 1 world champion.
On this part, with arduous tires, Charles Leclerc confirmed his greatest, able to recovering floor on each rivals over fifteen laps. “The plan was for Charles to remain on observe for a number of extra laps,” Frederic Vasseur defined after the race, “however at a sure level, we have been blocked by Max and Lewis, and it made no sense to remain behind them with out attempting one thing. So we pitted to attempt the undercut, however sadly, Lewis pitted on the similar time.”
The ultimate fourth and sixth locations are a outcome that retains the workforce afloat, however Fred Vasseur was eager to focus on some constructive points. The primary is the hassle made at Maranello to carry a modified ground to the observe, which was not within the plans.” The French supervisor then analyzed the efficiency of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. “To be clear,” he stated, “I’m not pleased with the outcome we achieved, however on the similar time, we made a very good step ahead by way of competitiveness in comparison with Silverstone. We have to proceed on this path. At the moment, the hole between the main automobiles is 2 or three tenths, we completed the race with a 20-second delay over 70 laps, or lower than three-tenths per lap if we take into account the 5 seconds we collected on the finish of the primary lap.”
“Now, we should not make drastic adjustments however make small steps ahead. Typically it’s a bit tough as a result of when you find yourself in fifth and sixth positions, you are feeling you’re kilometers away from the leaders, and also you suppose that drastic adjustments are needed. However that’s not the way you climb again up, however with small steps ahead.” – he identified.
What has given the Maranello workforce renewed confidence is the development by way of drivability, the essential subject that emerged on the Silverstone circuit. The consistency seen, particularly in Charles Leclerc’s race, was linked to the absence of bouncing and tire administration that didn’t present any essential points. “This facet makes us extra optimistic,” Frederic Vasseur confirmed. “I’m positive Spa might be one other story, however we could have one thing up our sleeve. It was essential to have solutions within the lengthy stints as a result of while you don’t trust within the automobile, with every lap accomplished, you are inclined to take a step again.” – the Ferrari boss added following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The lack of the second place within the Constructors’ standings didn’t considerably harm the Scuderia workforce. It was solely a matter of time; the overtaking by McLaren (though not nice) had been accepted given the efficiency distinction that has been evident between the 2 groups for the reason that Monaco Grand Prix.
Contemplating the development of the final races, the tie with Mercedes (20 factors every) is just not a verdict to be underestimated for Ferrari. For now, the German workforce stays at -91, however a response is required as a result of, though the margin is appreciable, the 2024 Method 1 championship is seeing important comebacks and escapes.
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