AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Charles Leclerc Reflects on Damage Control at the Sao Paulo GP: Ferrari’s Fight Against McLaren Rages On

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
November 6, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Charles Leclerc Reflects on Damage Control at the Sao Paulo GP: Ferrari’s Fight Against McLaren Rages On

Formula One F1 - Sao Paulo Grand Prix - Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Sao Paulo, Brazil - October 31, 2024 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc dubbed last weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix a “damage limitation” exercise as the team battles to stay within striking distance of McLaren in the constructors’ championship. In a race defined by relentless rain and a grid-shaking drive from Max Verstappen, who soared from 17th to victory, Leclerc held on for a hard-fought fifth place. Despite Carlos Sainz’s early crash, Ferrari managed to keep losses to a minimum, closing the weekend just 36 points behind McLaren.

With Lando Norris starting from pole and McLaren grabbing a one-two in the Sprint, Ferrari had its work cut out from the get-go. But Leclerc, who ultimately edged Norris to finish fifth, reflected on the outcome as an unexpected win for the Scuderia in the circumstances. “To only lose four points to McLaren when they seemed so strong—it’s a big damage limitation. Now we have three races to put it all together,” he said.

Leclerc admitted to shouldering some responsibility for the car’s race setup, which ultimately proved difficult to handle in race conditions. “I wanted to go in that direction,” he explained. “It was the wrong route. Qualifying wasn’t bad, but in the race, we were nowhere. It was extremely difficult to drive without making mistakes.”

The wet race presented unique challenges for Ferrari, including a strategic misstep when Leclerc pitted early for new intermediates. Aiming for free air to maximize pace, he instead found himself rejoining in traffic—a gamble that backfired as he struggled to find space and lost several positions.

“That was a mistake,” Leclerc said candidly. “Races like this are tricky, and only the top three managed without errors. We tried to box for clear air, but with the wet pit entry and exit times, I was caught in traffic with Ollie and Lewis. Then, with the Safety Car, we dropped three or four spots.”

As Ferrari looks ahead to the final three races, Leclerc is hopeful the team can turn the corner. “We have to learn from this, and I think we’re close to getting it right. Every point counts now.” With just three rounds remaining, Ferrari’s showdown with McLaren continues—one that could ultimately decide the fate of the constructors’ championship.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Chase Elliott Faces NASCAR Playoff Pressure: Fans Demand Aggression to Ignite Championship Pursuit
Motorsports

Chase Elliott Faces NASCAR Playoff Pressure: Fans Demand Aggression to Ignite Championship Pursuit

Jim Dedmon

by James Taylor
August 28, 2025
NASCAR Playoffs 2025: Three Teams Facing Unprecedented Pressure for Championship Glory!
Motorsports

NASCAR Playoffs 2025: Three Teams Facing Unprecedented Pressure for Championship Glory!

NASCAR Playoffs: The Three Teams Feeling the Heat in 2025! As the NASCAR Cup Series gears up for the highly...

by Carl Harrison
August 28, 2025
Joey Logano Slams NASCAR Playoff System: Is His Championship Win Truly Deserved?
Motorsports

Joey Logano Slams NASCAR Playoff System: Is His Championship Win Truly Deserved?

Jim Dedmon

by Carl Smith
August 28, 2025
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sounds Alarm: Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Playoff Fate Hangs by a Thread!
NASCAR

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sounds Alarm: Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Playoff Fate Hangs by a Thread!

Dale Earnhardt Jr. looks out from his pit box Saturday, July 26, 2025, during the Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor...

by Harry Bright
August 28, 2025

Recent News

Chase Elliott Faces NASCAR Playoff Pressure: Fans Demand Aggression to Ignite Championship Pursuit

Chase Elliott Faces NASCAR Playoff Pressure: Fans Demand Aggression to Ignite Championship Pursuit

August 28, 2025
NASCAR Playoffs 2025: Three Teams Facing Unprecedented Pressure for Championship Glory!

NASCAR Playoffs 2025: Three Teams Facing Unprecedented Pressure for Championship Glory!

August 28, 2025
Joey Logano Slams NASCAR Playoff System: Is His Championship Win Truly Deserved?

Joey Logano Slams NASCAR Playoff System: Is His Championship Win Truly Deserved?

August 28, 2025
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sounds Alarm: Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Playoff Fate Hangs by a Thread!

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sounds Alarm: Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Playoff Fate Hangs by a Thread!

August 28, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks