Ferrari secured its first podium of the season in Jeddah because of a robust efficiency by Charles Leclerc. The race tempo of the quantity 16 SF-25 was convincing from begin to end, usually matching the instances set by the McLaren vehicles and Max Verstappen’s Purple Bull.
After the 50 laps and the rostrum ceremony, Ferrari staff principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport F1 to touch upon the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from each angle so far as Ferrari’s weekend was involved.
In the present day Ferrari confirmed wonderful race tempo. So the issue lies in qualifying, primarily?
“It’s clear that if we’re not one or two steps additional forward right now, it’s due to qualifying, as a result of within the race we had a really aggressive tempo. Charles was very sturdy. He managed the tyres for the primary 10 laps as a result of he was in soiled air and knew he must prolong the stint. Then on the Arduous he had McLaren’s tempo. However as we’ve stated, we have to enhance in qualifying, be extra constant all through the weekend, and begin from a greater place.”
Is Leclerc at the very least partially saving this begin to the season?
“It’s not about saving something, we have to work as a staff to maintain creating and bettering. Now we have weak factors and we all know they’re principally in qualifying, as a result of then within the race we’re at all times a bit stronger. Now we have to do a greater job on Saturdays, nevertheless it’s a staff effort—it’s not one individual saving the others. We’re all in the identical boat.”
The SF-25 appears to carry out nicely in quick sections and wrestle within the gradual ones. Is that the place it is advisable enhance?
“I’m unsure that’s the problem, as a result of right now we had been very constant in all forms of corners. Yesterday we struggled loads in turns 1 and a couple of. In the present day as a substitute we had been the quickest. We have to speak with our drivers to grasp what was performed otherwise in comparison with yesterday. Actually, the tempo was there all through the lap. Additionally, tyre preparation and administration are essential relating to one-lap struggles.”
Is it solely a tyre difficulty or have you ever discovered one thing within the setup as nicely?
“It’s at all times a matter of many components, it’s by no means only one particular factor. If you’re three tenths behind, it’s not only one factor that’s off, it’s a collection of things. Efficiency comes from totally different components and we have to seek for each tenth in each space, identical to we did final yr. We had been far off initially of final season too, however then we caught up. This podium will assist push us ahead.”
It’s the second race the place you’ve scored extra factors than everybody—besides McLaren. How far off are you from what you anticipated initially of the season?
“We’re behind McLaren by way of factors and it’s fairly a niche. In comparison with Purple Bull and Mercedes, the issue was what occurred in China. However now we stay up for hold working and pushing as a bunch. The outcomes will come.”
Do you continue to consider within the championship?
“I’m excited about Miami. I believe it’s a mistake to concentrate on the championship. We have to do what we did final yr—method it race by race to enhance. We all know the automobile has weak spots, it’s clear, we have now to be trustworthy. We have to make an trustworthy evaluation. Now we have pretty clear concepts.”
What do you make of Lewis’ race?
“It was tougher for him, ending 30 seconds behind Charles. He struggled in direction of the top. He had a good second stint, however in soiled air he struggled. He’s having too many ups and downs—each him and the staff. We should be extra constant and do a greater job in FP3 forward of qualifying. I believe that’s the principle difficulty. Now we have to be on it in each session, not simply within the race or in qualifying.”
Will you go all-in with updates in Miami?
“Miami might be tough as a result of there’ll solely be one follow session. It’ll be a Dash weekend. So we’ll solely have one hour of follow. We’ll in all probability convey updates in Imola.”
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