Strength of Ferrari in 2023, its impressive performance in qualifying, remained unchanged with its 2024 Formula 1 car, the SF-24. In fact, Charles Leclerc was the only driver who posed a challenge to Max Verstappen during qualifying, narrowly missing out on pole position by just over two tenths of a second.
Although Leclerc’s challenge disappeared during the race due to brake issues, Carlos Sainz took responsibility and delivered an impressive performance, showing the progress Ferrari had made in an area that was its weakness in 2023 – race pace.
Fred Vasseur, speaking after the race in Bahrain, shared his thoughts on the race. He expressed mixed feelings, stating: “There’s a feeling of positivity and negativity after the race, for sure.”
“The positive aspect is that we managed to secure pole position yesterday with the fastest lap of the session. Furthermore, we managed to reduce the gap to Red Bull by approximately 50% compared to last year’s race, where we were over 50 seconds behind.”
“However, the negative aspect is that it’s still not enough and we encountered several issues throughout the weekend. We need to solve the problem with Charles’ car brakes. However, I must praise both Charles and the pit wall for their excellent performance, as we managed to secure a fourth place in these challenging circumstances.”
“Honestly, during the first stint, when I assessed the situation, I wasn’t very optimistic,” revealed the Ferrari Team Principal.
Regarding Leclerc’s brake issue, Vasseur explained: “We’re still not sure, as the car is still in parc fermé. However, we noticed a significant temperature difference between the left and right brakes, causing them to lock up and making it extremely challenging to correct.”
“At a certain moment, the problem resurfaced when Leclerc was in the wake of another car. The brakes engaged suddenly, but fortunately, the issue seemed to resolve itself during the final part of the race,” he added.
When asked if Ferrari had overcome their excessive tire degradation issues during races, the Frenchman replied: “That’s also a mixed feeling, a year ago, I believe in the race we were eight/nine tenths, maybe today we have reached 50% of that margin. However, we are not aiming to be four tenths.”
“However, if we compare it to last year and the progress we made throughout the season, the fact that we can compete with them in the final stages gives us a good opportunity. It also provides a more solid foundation for this year’s development.”
“I believe the car is much easier to use for Leclerc and Sainz, allowing them to identify the weaknesses and areas for improvement of the car. Last year, it was much more challenging to understand the car,” he pointed out.
Regarding the SF-24’s ability to perform well on all types of tracks, Vasseur expressed: “It’s very difficult to determine because, ultimately, even though we may be P2 as a team today, the competition is extremely fierce.”
“The difference between P1 and P10 has been reduced by 50% compared to last year. This means that any small issue, incorrect setup, or a car more suited to a specific track can completely change the ranking of the top ten.”
“Therefore, we cannot draw conclusions today [Saturday]. It’s too early. I am satisfied with the points we earned today. I expected a bit more, but given the circumstances, it’s a good result. Let’s focus on next week and start over.”
“We must consider that Jeddah will present a completely different scenario, with a different layout and asphalt. We will have a clearer understanding of the overall situation after Melbourne, I presume. It will be difficult to have a clear picture of the championship before Melbourne.”
“However, if we compare it to a year ago, we were one second behind, and today we are maybe five tenths behind. It’s a 50% improvement, but it’s still not enough. However, considering the circumstances, scoring points in P3/P4 today is not a disaster,” concluded Vasseur.
(Reported by Agnes Carlier, Written by Jad Mallak)
© 2024
Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton achieved another impressive victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The thrilling race was marked by bold overtakes and a lot of adrenaline. Hamilton, who is already considered one of the greatest drivers in history, once again showed his skill and determination, leading his team to victory.
The race started with an intense start, with several drivers fighting for the top positions. Hamilton, however, showed his experience and skill by overtaking his opponents and taking the lead. He maintained a consistent pace throughout the race, showcasing his superiority and leaving his competitors behind.
In addition to Hamilton’s impressive performance, the race was also marked by exciting incidents. Several drivers were involved in accidents and had to retire from the race. However, Hamilton managed to avoid the problems and stayed focused on his quest for victory.
With this victory, Hamilton is getting closer and closer to the record of Formula 1 world titles. He has already won seven championships and is just one title away from equaling Michael Schumacher’s record. With his flawless performance and unwavering determination, there is no doubt that Hamilton has everything to achieve this historic feat.
On the podium, Hamilton celebrated his victory with his team and thanked the fans for their support. He also highlighted the importance of his team and all the hard work that was done behind the scenes. Hamilton acknowledged that success in Formula 1 is not only the result of his individual talent, but also the dedication of his team.
The next Formula 1 race will take place next weekend, and Hamilton is determined to continue his winning streak. With his renewed confidence and exceptional performance, he is the favorite for another triumph. Motorsport fans are eager to see what Hamilton will do next and if he will be able to reach Schumacher’s record.
This year’s Formula 1 season has been exciting and full of surprises. Fans are increasingly engaged and eager to see who will be the champion this season. With talented drivers like Hamilton in the mix, the races promise to be even more thrilling and unpredictable.
Follow all the excitement of Formula 1 and don’t miss any details of the upcoming races. Stay tuned to our website for the latest news, results, and analysis from the world of motorsport. The season promises to be unforgettable and you won’t want to miss out on it.
