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 classes for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari’s staff principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport Italia to assessment the primary day on monitor at Yas Marina.
Fred Vasseur, a difficult begin…
“We needed to change the battery, and this may imply a penalty on Sunday. It’s actually 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 certain.”
Is successful the Constructors’ title now unimaginable?
“It’s not unimaginable, nevertheless it’s very tough. Statistically, it’s extraordinarily difficult, and now, with the penalty, it’s even more durable. However we received’t let this get us down. We’ll maintain pushing till the final nook of the final lap with each automobiles to extract the utmost from what we’ve got after which see the place McLaren finally ends up. Nonetheless, we should deal with ourselves; it might be a mistake to dwell an excessive amount of on the rivals.”
Plainly even right here in Yas Marina, completely warming up the tires is essential to getting essentially the most out of the Softs. Is that the case?
“Sure, tire preparation is essential right here as effectively. It’s the identical story because the final three occasions for us. If we take a look at Las Vegas and Qatar, it’s at all times associated to trace temperature. It’s very tough to search out the suitable working window to make use of the tires successfully from the beginning. You have to optimize all the pieces from one set of tires to the subsequent, from one session to the subsequent. However a very powerful lap would be the closing one in Q3. So we nonetheless have some units of Softs to try to be prepared on the essential second. Other than this, the automobile’s steadiness is sweet, and we’re completely happy. We simply want to organize effectively for qualifying laps.”
Are you shocked by McLaren’s efficiency in the present day?
“I’m not shocked by McLaren’s efficiency. They’ve been doing very effectively. Final weekend, they have been barely behind in observe after which recovered. Verstappen, however, was very robust on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the alternative. When the monitor adjustments, it’s important to adapt, however the window could be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“General, to this point, it’s been a great season for us. Trying on the wins, poles, and information, we’ve received 5 races and scored 55% extra factors than final 12 months. The path is correct. Moreover, we’re in competition for the Constructors’ title, which is an efficient signal. Nonetheless, we should keep centered as one race remains to be left, and it’s a very powerful. However total, it’s been a great 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 you might want to enhance on the 2025 automobile?
“We have to enhance all the pieces. But when I needed to level out one space, I’d say qualifying lap preparation. At the moment, Charles encountered site visitors, which isn’t very best for getting ready a lap. Carlos missed FP1 and needed to intensify his work within the afternoon to catch up. I’m not fearful as a result of there’s nonetheless an extended method to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on monitor collectively?
“I believe Charles was essentially the most excited. Arthur did an ideal job all season on the simulator, and it was mandatory to provide him monitor time to check the 2 automobiles. We might solely do that in FP1, and he did effectively. Engaged on the simulator isn’t simple. He made an enormous contribution all through the season.”
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
