Despite the whispers of concealed fuel loads and strategic underperformance during the pre-season trials, Ferrari’s disappointing showing at the Australian Grand Prix’s inaugural qualifying round has left rivals questioning the Italian team’s genuine pace. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s leading contender, trailed Lando Norris’ pole position by nearly seven-tenths, prompting Andrea Stella to cast a skeptical eye on Ferrari’s performance.
Pre-season testing data analysis suggested Ferrari was, at best, the second-fastest team, possibly even fourth. In contrast, Norris’ MCL39 was touted as the car to beat. The McLaren driver, however, hinted at his awareness of Ferrari’s testing programme, suggesting their performance might exceed expectations. “You’d be surprised at how quick they’re going to be this weekend,” Norris commented in the lead up to the Australian Grand Prix.
Contrary to Norris’ prediction, Ferrari failed to impress during the Melbourne circuit’s qualifying round. Despite a fleeting challenge for the top spots in Q3, Leclerc ended in seventh place, trailing Norris by 0.659s, with Lewis Hamilton another two-tenths behind. The Ferrari drivers will start from the Albert Park grid’s fourth row.
McLaren’s team principal acknowledges Melbourne’s qualifying as the most precise measure of F1’s hierarchy to date. However, he remains unconvinced that Ferrari revealed their true speed on Saturday. “I don’t really take Ferrari’s performance today at face value. I think they are much closer than the gaps in Q3 would tell,” he expressed to Sky F1.
Saturday’s qualifying revealed Red Bull’s proximity, with Verstappen delivering strong laps, along with Russell. However, the McLaren team principal warned against underestimating the competitive nature of the car, praising Oscar and Lando for their commendable performance under Q3’s pressure. He added, “it’s only Saturday.”
Stella isn’t alone in doubting Ferrari’s pace. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also expressed surprise at Ferrari’s underwhelming performance. Noting McLaren’s slight lead, Wolff pointed out the close competition between Verstappen and the two Ferraris. “It could be, you know, six cars that will put up a good fight,” he said. When asked about Ferrari’s race pace, Wolff responded, “I think race pace we’re all the same, apart maybe from the McLaren that went a tiny bit further up. But yeah, I don’t think that this result is where they really are.”
