Charles Leclerc, the Monaco driver representing Ferrari, took part in the Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on August 3, 2024. Ferrari Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur, believes the difference between his team and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in Formula 1 now is just a matter of a few tenths of a second.
Once again, Leclerc emerged as the closest competitor to Verstappen in terms of single lap performance, with a deficit of three tenths of a second, just like last week. However, a significant issue with the brakes in Bahrain prevented Leclerc from showing his full potential, while his teammate Carlos Sainz finished just seconds behind Sergio Perez.
Despite securing a front row starting position, Leclerc expressed dissatisfaction with the balance of his SF-24 car with new tires, leading him to try two warm-up laps. Vasseur acknowledged that Ferrari needs to put everything together to have a chance to challenge Verstappen.
Vasseur stated: “We had good laps at the beginning and the last one was good as well. In the middle, it’s always challenging because in Jeddah, you’re unsure whether to do a preparation lap or if used tires are better than new ones. The whole session is on the limit, and I think Leclerc found the right balance in the end, and his pace was good. Maybe Max did a better job, as he was two or three tenths faster, and if we want to fight with him, we need to put it all together.”
In Bahrain, Red Bull’s slight advantage in a single lap translated into a significant lead in race conditions, with Verstappen winning by a margin of 22 seconds over Perez. However, Vasseur emphasized that Ferrari managed to halve the difference from last year and urged the team to keep seeking incremental improvements.
Vasseur continued: “Max seems very fast this time as well. If we look at the race simulation he did, he was very fast. He was also quick in the flying lap, but we are not far behind. It’s a matter of a few tenths. Of course, over 60 laps, this becomes a significant difference, but ultimately it’s tenths. We need to take those small steps forward, just like we did last year, when we started a second behind and then improved to fight with him in certain situations. This year, we start in a better position and we must maintain the same approach and dedication for further improvements. We must keep pushing and then we will see what the result will be.”
Vasseur also praised Oliver Bearman, who will make his Formula 1 debut with Ferrari this weekend in place of Carlos Sainz, who cannot participate due to appendicitis.
The 18-year-old Brit came close to beating compatriot Lewis Hamilton in the battle for pole position, finishing just 0.036 seconds behind, despite having only one hour of practice in the car.
“It was an impressive session and a fantastic day from the start,” Vasseur commented on Bearman. “We must remember that I contacted him at 2pm, which was a very late call.
“He had to quickly get in the car and face the challenging Jeddah circuit, which is at the same difficulty level as Monaco and Baku.”
“But overall, he had a very successful day considering he had to learn how to deal with pit stops and starts. We covered all the necessary preparations this morning.
“The pace was there, although it wasn’t an easy session with the interruptions of the red flag. However, he almost made it to Q3 by a few hundredths of a second. Nevertheless, the main goal was not just the result, as we knew it would be a tough challenge. I really hope for a clean weekend with him, and that will also be our goal for tomorrow – to finish the race and do everything right.”
© 2024
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo scored once again in his team’s latest victory. The Portuguese player showcased his skill by scoring two goals and securing the win for his team. With this impressive performance, Ronaldo continues to stand out as one of the best players in the world.
The match started evenly, with both teams seeking a goal. However, it was Ronaldo who opened the scoring at the 20th minute of the first half, with a beautiful shot from outside the box. The superstar’s second goal came in the second half, as he took advantage of a precise cross and headed the ball into the back of the net.
With this victory, Ronaldo’s team remains at the top of the league and increases their chances of winning the title. Furthermore, the player’s performance has been crucial to the team’s success, relying on his leadership and talent on the field.
Ronaldo, who has already won numerous titles throughout his career, continues to impress fans and experts with his exceptional performance. His technical ability, speed, and precision in shots make him a unique and incomparable player.
The next match of Ronaldo’s team will be against a tough opponent, but with his determination and talent, the Portuguese player will certainly seek another victory for his team. Fans are eager to see what Ronaldo will do on the field and hope he continues to shine.
There is no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all time. His talent and dedication to the sport have made him an icon of world football. With each goal scored, he solidifies his place in the history of the sport and continues to inspire young players around the world.
Ronaldo’s future certainly holds more achievements and exciting moments. Fans are excited to see what the Portuguese star still has to offer and eagerly await his next performances. In the meantime, they celebrate every goal and every victory, knowing they are witnessing the greatness of a true football icon.
