The Abu Dhabi weekend couldn’t have began worse for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc acquired a 10-place grid penalty for altering his battery (the third unit of the season), and that’s not all. The SF-24 as soon as once more confirmed important difficulties in getting ready for qualifying laps, as already seen in Las Vegas and Lusail.
On the finish of the primary two free observe periods for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari’s staff principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport Italia to overview the primary day on monitor at Yas Marina.
Fred Vasseur, a difficult begin…
“We needed to change the battery, and it will imply a penalty on Sunday. It’s definitely not the perfect begin, however we should keep the identical strategy, assault, and see the place we’re on Sunday night. It was undoubtedly not a constructive begin to the weekend; that’s for positive.”
Is profitable the Constructors’ title now unattainable?
“It’s not unattainable, however it’s very troublesome. Statistically, it’s extraordinarily difficult, and now, with the penalty, it’s even harder. However we gained’t let this get us down. We’ll hold pushing till the final nook of the final lap with each automobiles to extract the utmost from what now we have after which see the place McLaren finally ends up. Nevertheless, we should deal with ourselves; it might be a mistake to dwell an excessive amount of on the rivals.”
Evidently even right here in Yas Marina, completely warming up the tires is essential to getting probably the most out of the Softs. Is that the case?
“Sure, tire preparation is essential right here as properly. It’s the identical story because the final three occasions for us. If we take a look at Las Vegas and Qatar, it’s all the time associated to trace temperature. It’s very troublesome to search out the fitting working window to make use of the tires successfully from the beginning. You should optimize every thing from one set of tires to the following, from one session to the following. However a very powerful lap would be the ultimate one in Q3. So we nonetheless have some units of Softs to attempt to be prepared on the essential second. Apart from this, the automotive’s stability is sweet, and we’re pleased. We simply want to organize properly for qualifying laps.”
Are you shocked by McLaren’s efficiency right this moment?
“I’m not shocked by McLaren’s efficiency. They’ve been doing very properly. Final weekend, they had been barely behind in observe after which recovered. Verstappen, alternatively, was very sturdy on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the other. When the monitor adjustments, you need to adapt, however the window could be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“General, thus far, it’s been a very good season for us. Trying on the wins, poles, and information, we’ve gained 5 races and scored 55% extra factors than final yr. The course is true. Moreover, we’re in rivalry for the Constructors’ title, which is an efficient signal. Nevertheless, we should keep targeted as one race remains to be left, and it’s a very powerful. However general, it’s been a very good season. I’m proud of the staff; we’ve made progress, and it’s one of the best ways to look towards the long run.”
What do it’s worthwhile to enhance on the 2025 automotive?
“We have to enhance every thing. But when I needed to level out one space, I’d say qualifying lap preparation. At this time, Charles encountered site visitors, which isn’t supreme for getting ready a lap. Carlos missed FP1 and needed to intensify his work within the afternoon to catch up. I’m not apprehensive as a result of there’s nonetheless a protracted solution to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on monitor collectively?
“I believe Charles was probably the most excited. Arthur did an excellent job all season on the simulator, and it was essential to offer him monitor time to match the 2 automobiles. We might solely do that in FP1, and he did properly. Engaged on the simulator isn’t straightforward. He made an enormous contribution all through the season.”
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