With Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, in opposition to the chances, Ferrari leaves spherical 23 of the 2024 System 1 championship, the Qatar Grand Prix, with three factors gained over rivals McLaren through the penultimate weekend of the present racing marketing campaign. Between the occasions of the Dash Race and the chaotic Sunday race, the Maranello group now finds itself 21 factors behind the Woking group within the Constructors’ Championship standings. A constructive consequence retains hope alive till the ultimate nook at Yas Marina. Many issues occurred in Losail, and the FIA was utterly unable to handle the scenario.
Seemingly easy conditions grew to become extraordinarily difficult as a result of sluggish execution by the brand new race director, Rui Marques, who left a mirror on the straight with out deploying the Digital Security Automobile to take away it, which not directly triggered the punctures of Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz. He additionally issued a reasonably heavy penalty to Lando Norris, successfully excluding him from the race, although the British driver finally completed tenth with the extra level for the quickest lap and from the prospect to struggle for victory, as he was within the thick of the battle with Max Verstappen.
Ferrari definitely took benefit of this case: Charles Leclerc completed second forward of Oscar Piastri, whereas Carlos Sainz managed to get well after his puncture, securing no less than sixth place. The Spaniard may have definitely achieved a greater end result, maybe passing Pierre Gasly within the closing laps, which might have given the Scuderia two crucial further factors. Nonetheless, regardless of every part, the Spanish driver managed to convey a strong contribution to Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship tally.
The Losail race was received by a supercharged Max Verstappen, who, with a automotive remodeled in comparison with the Dash phase of the weekend, managed to dominate everybody together with his RB20. It was already predicted earlier than the weekend that the Dutchman, removed from happy together with his F1 Drivers’ Championship victory, would give it his all. A poor efficiency got here from Mercedes, which, between Lewis Hamilton’s concern and a really gradual cease for George Russell, misplaced all possibilities of returning to the rostrum. Lastly, McLaren, the heavy favourite earlier than the Qatar Grand Prix, has loads to remorse.
Ferrari can smile, as can Charles Leclerc, who’s normally not content material with a second place. But there was a kind of consciousness within the Maranello storage earlier than the Qatar weekend, and it appeared there was a powerful chance that the championship could be sealed in McLaren’s favor one race early, given the competitiveness of the MCL38 on this monitor and the problems suffered by the SF-24, partly associated to its lack of rotation. Thankfully, this was not the case, and every part is now postponed to Abu Dhabi.
Charles Leclerc acknowledged that the race was maybe essentially the most bodily demanding F1 occasion of the 12 months. He famous that whereas there was no concern with administration or technique, because the group was flawless with the tires, the principle downside was their lack of tempo. The Monegasque driver defined that in such conditions, it was essential to take advantage of each out there useful resource, which they efficiently did. He expressed satisfaction with the end result, acknowledging that though he’s normally not content material with a second-place end, on this event, they managed to beat McLaren and rating extra factors than anticipated. He added that the Maranello group had initially anticipated to attain fewer factors than their rivals. Nonetheless, he regretted the circumstances for Carlos Sainz, suggesting that they may have achieved a second and third-place end.
The Monegasque’s closing remark displays his dedication to imagine till the tip, past what the monitor may supply. The Ferrari driver doesn’t dwell on the format or talk about the inherent traits of his automotive when it comes to how they could adapt to the Abu Dhabi circuit. He merely focuses on reaching the absolute best end result. Charles Leclerc remarked {that a} one-two end in Abu Dhabi could be essential for Ferrari to safe the Constructors’ Championship. He mirrored on his previous expertise, noting that he had by no means received in Monaco till it will definitely occurred, expressing hope {that a} related consequence may happen once more. Nonetheless, it should be stated {that a} one-two end is not going to be sufficient if the 2 McLarens end third and fourth.
Misfortune struck Carlos Sainz in the Qatar F1 Grand Prix, there isn’t a different method to put it. This, regardless of his tempo not being significantly exceptional. The Spaniard, who had a less-than-stellar first a part of the race—partly attributable to tire administration imposed by the Maranello group, which was a clearly essential selection), ran over particles from Alex Albon’s mirror, struggling a puncture and finishing a complete lap on three wheels. An actual disgrace, as a result of, as Charles Leclerc talked about, there was a real alternative to attain much more factors in opposition to McLaren.
Carlos Sainz expressed his dissatisfaction with how the day unfolded, explaining that he needed to full a complete lap with a puncture, which price him vital time. He talked about that the pit cease was gradual and that the next Security Automobile deployment benefited the drivers forward. Whereas annoyed by the end result, he acknowledged that such conditions are a part of racing. Waiting for Abu Dhabi, Carlos Sainz emphasised that the title was nonetheless inside attain and that they would want an distinctive weekend, scoring many factors whereas limiting McLaren’s tally. The Spaniard assured that the Maranello group would give their all, believing they had been in a powerful place to succeed.
Now Ferrari has no selection however to goal for the absolute best end result on the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, particularly to do every part doable to safe first and second place, after which hope that one thing occurs to McLaren. As talked about, with a Ferrari one-two end and the 2 papaya automobiles in third and fourth, the factors scored wouldn’t be enough. Subsequently, consideration additionally shifts to others, particularly Max Verstappen and the 2 Mercedes automobiles of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, whereas excluding Sergio Perez altogether, who will play the position of the arbiters of this 2024 System 1 Constructors’ Championship. It stays to be seen in whose favor they are going to act.
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