Since his arrival in Formula 1 in 2018, Leclerc has gained a reputation for his impressive last-minute qualifying performances. Many consider him one of the best qualifiers in the sport, if not the best.
However, in the recent races, the Ferrari driver has struggled in qualifying and was outperformed by his teammate Carlos Sainz in two consecutive races – Australia and Japan. This is surprising, as qualifying was not usually Sainz’s strong point.
During the Japanese Grand Prix last weekend, Leclerc qualified in eighth place, while Sainz secured fourth place. Despite this, Leclerc managed to finish in fourth place with a solid one-stop strategy from Ferrari.
Speaking after the race, Leclerc acknowledged that there was little more he could have done to improve his performance. He praised the team’s pace, tire management, and communication. However, as a driver, he believes it is important to focus on the negatives of the whole weekend. In Australia and Japan, Leclerc identified his qualifying speed as the main issue. This is something he is not used to working on in his career, as his qualifying performances are usually strong on Saturdays.
In the last two races, Leclerc has struggled to get the tires into the ideal temperature range, which he believes is the key to improving his qualifying performance. Looking ahead to the Shanghai Grand Prix, his main focus will be to enhance his understanding of the tire temperature window and to get the tires consistently working within that range. Leclerc is confident that once he achieves this, his qualifying speed will improve.
When asked if there were other factors contributing to his recent struggles in qualifying, Leclerc emphasized the importance of tires. He stated that his laps were not necessarily bad, but rather the issue lies in getting the tires to work optimally.
“Yesterday, on Saturday in Japan, the lap I completed was really impressive,” he said. “However, the grip provided by the tires was lacking, which is frustrating because you finish a lap feeling satisfied, but in reality, you are not performing well.
“So, I need to focus on that. It’s a matter of fine tuning, small differences. However, I am confident that by thoroughly analyzing the data – we have a week before Shanghai – and dedicating my attention to specific areas, I can make quick improvements.
“I’m not overly concerned, but I need to take a step forward for Shanghai,” declared the driver who has achieved 23 pole positions.
In 2024, Ferrari seems to have addressed a previous weakness: excessive tire wear during a grand prix. While their car was fast on a flying lap in 2023, it faced tire degradation on race day, negatively affecting the team’s results.
However, the SF-24 seems to have overcome this issue, indicating that preparing the tires for qualifying is now more challenging, an aspect that Leclerc has not yet mastered, unlike his teammate Sainz, who has excelled in this area.
“We are also much more consistent,” he added, referring to Ferrari’s improved race pace in 2024. “Last year, it was easy to make small setup mistakes and fall completely out of rhythm during the race, ending up much further back than expected.
“The car is now much more stable during races, which is satisfying. We can finish a weekend on a positive note, instead of starting strong and feeling dissatisfied on Sunday night. So it’s a positive development in that aspect.
“Now I need to put it all together on Saturdays, and I am confident that we will have many more weekends to celebrate,” concluded the 26-year-old driver.
Leclerc currently holds the third position in the 2024 Drivers’ Championship, with just four points ahead of his teammate Sainz – who could not participate in the Saudi Arabia race due to appendicitis surgery – and has already secured a victory in Australia. (Reported by Agnes Carlier from Suzuka)
© 2024
Brazilian football has been rocked by a series of scandals in recent months. From corruption to doping, the headlines have been filled with dark stories. However, a new revelation promises to shake the world of sports even more. According to reliable sources, one of the main players in the Brazilian national team is involved in an illegal betting scandal.
According to the information, the player in question would have made a series of bets on football matches, including games in which he himself was participating. This raises serious questions about his integrity and commitment to the sport. The Brazilian Football Federation has already started an investigation to uncover the facts and take the necessary measures.
Furthermore, rumors have emerged that other players may also be involved in this illegal betting scheme. This calls into question the credibility of Brazilian football and raises concerns about the existence of a corruption network within the sport. The relevant authorities are working to identify all those involved and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
This shocking revelation comes at a time when Brazilian football is already facing a series of challenges. In addition to recent scandals, the national team has been performing below expectations in the last few games. The pressure on the players and coaching staff is enormous, and this new revelation only increases the tension.
It is important to emphasize that these are just allegations and that all parties involved have the right to defend themselves. However, if the accusations are proven, it will be a devastating blow to Brazilian football. The sport’s reputation has already been shaken in recent years, and scandals like this only serve to further undermine the trust of the fans.
We eagerly await more information about this case and hope that the authorities act rigorously to ensure the integrity of Brazilian football. Fans deserve a clean and fair sport, and it is the responsibility of all involved to ensure that this happens. Let’s wait for the developments of this story and hope that the truth prevails.
