The Abu Dhabi weekend couldn’t have began worse for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc obtained 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 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 workforce principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport Italia to evaluate 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 best begin, however we should keep the identical strategy, assault, and see the place we’re on Sunday night. It was positively not a constructive begin to the weekend; that’s for positive.”
Is successful the Constructors’ title now inconceivable?
“It’s not inconceivable, but it surely’s very tough. Statistically, it’s extraordinarily difficult, and now, with the penalty, it’s even more durable. However we gained’t let this get us down. We’ll hold pushing till the final nook of the final lap with each vehicles to extract the utmost from what we have now after which see the place McLaren finally ends up. Nevertheless, we should deal with ourselves; it will 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 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 tough to search out the fitting working window to make use of the tires successfully from the beginning. You will need to optimize the whole lot from one set of tires to the following, from one session to the following. However crucial lap would be the remaining 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 stability is sweet, and we’re glad. 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 have been barely behind in observe after which recovered. Verstappen, then again, was very robust on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the alternative. When the monitor modifications, you must adapt, however the window could be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“General, to date, it’s been a superb season for us. Wanting on the wins, poles, and knowledge, we’ve gained 5 races and scored 55% extra factors than final 12 months. The route is true. Moreover, we’re in competition for the Constructors’ title, which is an efficient signal. Nevertheless, we should keep targeted as one race continues to be left, and it’s crucial. However general, it’s been a superb season. I’m pleased with the workforce; we’ve made progress, and it’s the easiest way to look towards the longer term.”
What do it’s essential to enhance on the 2025 automobile?
“We have to enhance the whole lot. But when I needed to level out one space, I’d say qualifying lap preparation. Right this moment, Charles encountered 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 option to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on monitor collectively?
“I feel Charles was probably the most excited. Arthur did a fantastic job all season on the simulator, and it was crucial to present him monitor time to check the 2 vehicles. We might solely do that in FP1, and he did properly. Engaged on the simulator isn’t simple. He made an enormous contribution all through the season.”
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