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 vital difficulties in making ready for qualifying laps, as already seen in Las Vegas and Lusail.
On the finish of the primary two free apply classes for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari’s group principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport Italia to evaluation the primary day on observe at Yas Marina.
Fred Vasseur, a difficult begin…
“We needed to change the battery, and this can imply a penalty on Sunday. It’s actually not the best begin, however we should keep the identical strategy, assault, and see the place we’re on Sunday night. It was undoubtedly not a optimistic 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 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 we have now after which see the place McLaren finally ends up. Nonetheless, we should concentrate on ourselves; it could be a mistake to dwell an excessive amount of on the rivals.”
It appears that 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 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 will need to optimize all the pieces from one set of tires to the following, from one session to the following. However crucial 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. Except for this, the automotive’s stability is sweet, and we’re blissful. We simply want to arrange effectively for qualifying laps.”
Are you stunned by McLaren’s efficiency in the present day?
“I’m not stunned by McLaren’s efficiency. They’ve been doing very effectively. Final weekend, they have been barely behind in apply after which recovered. Verstappen, then again, was very sturdy on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the alternative. When the observe modifications, you need to adapt, however the window may be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“General, to date, it’s been an excellent season for us. Wanting on the wins, poles, and information, we’ve gained 5 races and scored 55% extra factors than final 12 months. The path is true. Moreover, we’re in competition for the Constructors’ title, which is an efficient signal. Nonetheless, we should keep centered as one race continues to be left, and it’s crucial. However total, it’s been an excellent season. I’m pleased with the group; we’ve made progress, and it’s one of the best ways to look towards the longer term.”
What do you might want to enhance on the 2025 automotive?
“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 perfect for making 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 an extended strategy to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on observe collectively?
“I feel Charles was probably the most excited. Arthur did an amazing job all season on the simulator, and it was mandatory to present him observe time to match the 2 automobiles. We may solely do that in FP1, and he did effectively. Engaged on the simulator isn’t straightforward. He made an enormous contribution all through the season.”
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