The Abu Dhabi weekend couldn’t have began worse for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc obtained a 10-place grid penalty for altering his battery (the third unit of the season), and that’s not all. The SF-24 as soon as once more confirmed important difficulties in getting ready for qualifying laps, as already seen in Las Vegas and Lusail.
On the finish of the primary two free follow periods for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari’s group principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport Italia to evaluation the primary day on monitor at Yas Marina.
Fred Vasseur, a difficult begin…
“We needed to change the battery, and this may imply a penalty on Sunday. It’s actually not the best begin, however we should preserve the identical method, assault, and see the place we’re on Sunday night. It was positively not a constructive begin to the weekend; that’s for positive.”
Is successful the Constructors’ title now unimaginable?
“It’s not unimaginable, however it’s very tough. Statistically, it’s extraordinarily difficult, and now, with the penalty, it’s even harder. However we gained’t let this get us down. We’ll preserve pushing till the final nook of the final lap with each automobiles to extract the utmost from what we’ve got after which see the place McLaren finally ends up. Nonetheless, we should give attention to ourselves; it might be a mistake to dwell an excessive amount of on the rivals.”
Plainly even right here in Yas Marina, completely warming up the tires is essential to getting essentially the most out of the Softs. Is that the case?
“Sure, tire preparation is essential right here as effectively. It’s the identical story because the final three occasions for us. If we take a look at Las Vegas and Qatar, it’s all the time associated to trace temperature. It’s very tough to search out the best working window to make use of the tires successfully from the beginning. You will need to optimize all the things from one set of tires to the subsequent, from one session to the subsequent. However a very powerful lap would be the closing one in Q3. So we nonetheless have some units of Softs to attempt to be prepared on the essential second. Other than this, the automobile’s stability is nice, and we’re pleased. We simply want to organize effectively for qualifying laps.”
Are you shocked by McLaren’s efficiency right this moment?
“I’m not shocked by McLaren’s efficiency. They’ve been doing very effectively. Final weekend, they have been barely behind in follow after which recovered. Verstappen, however, was very robust on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the alternative. When the monitor modifications, it’s a must to adapt, however the window could be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“Total, thus far, it’s been an excellent season for us. Wanting on the wins, poles, and information, we’ve gained 5 races and scored 55% extra factors than final 12 months. The course is true. Moreover, we’re in competition for the Constructors’ title, which is an efficient signal. Nonetheless, we should keep centered as one race remains to be left, and it’s a very powerful. However general, it’s been an excellent season. I’m proud of the group; we’ve made progress, and it’s the easiest way to look towards the longer term.”
What do you’ll want to enhance on the 2025 automobile?
“We have to enhance all the things. But when I needed to level out one space, I’d say qualifying lap preparation. As we speak, Charles encountered visitors, which isn’t excellent for getting ready a lap. Carlos missed FP1 and needed to intensify his work within the afternoon to catch up. I’m not anxious as a result of there’s nonetheless a protracted solution to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on monitor collectively?
“I feel Charles was essentially the most excited. Arthur did a terrific job all season on the simulator, and it was obligatory to offer him monitor time to check the 2 automobiles. We may solely do that in FP1, and he did effectively. Engaged on the simulator isn’t simple. He made an enormous contribution all through the season.”
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