F1 News: Leclerc Confident About Putting Pressure On Red Bull
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc expressed confidence that it's only a matter of time before the team's SF-24 F1 car can closely pursue and pressure the Red Bull RB20s. The Monegasque driver disclosed Ferrari's strategy for the car's future upgrades, noting the significant progress made so far compared to last year.
Key Takeaways:
- Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is optimistic about the SF-24's potential to challenge the Red Bull RB20s, expressing confidence in the team's progress and strategy for future upgrades.
- Despite a considerable gap to Max Verstappen in Jeddah, Leclerc sees Ferrari's advancements compared to last season as promising, suggesting they could apply more pressure on Red Bull.
- Ferrari aims to maximize its current package for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, with plans for a significant upgrade dubbed the 'EVO' version of the SF-24 expected at Imola in May.
Ferrari Press Image
Although Leclerc's 18-second gap behind Verstappen in Jeddah may appear discouraging, the 26-year-old driver believes that Ferrari's advancements, compared to last season, indicate the potential to exert pressure on Red Bull if they maintain this trajectory.
Starting from second position behind polesitter Max Verstappen in Jeddah, Leclerc's performance marks a significant improvement with the SF-24. Thus, Ferrari recently revealed that it was now confident of upgrading the car based on the existing foundation it has developed over the winter break.
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Speaking to the media, Leclerc highlighted the large gap to close in behind Red Bull:
"It's been a positive race [Saudi Arabian Grand Prix]. I think we are doing small steps in the right direction,
"The gap is still quite big, but if we keep working like that, I'm sure it's a matter of time before we put the Red Bull under a bit more pressure."
Leclerc added that it is clear to the team which area of the car needs more attention and thus, Ferrari now has a measured target to achieve in the near future. He told Sky Sports F1:
"Three or four tenths is a lot in the world of motorsport.
"However, when you look at every part of the car, if you are gaining 0.010s per part then you are straight away gaining that.
"In the last few months, we are the team that has improved the most because we have been working extremely well and we just have to keep doing that, it's very clear which areas we have to work on.
"I'm sure that our moment will come. I don't know what Red Bull has in the pocket in terms of upgrades but that will define when exactly we'll be able to match them."
Revealing plans for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, Leclerc ruled out upgrades for the SF-24, citing that the team plans to maximize its existing package. He said:
"I don't think we'll have many things new in Melbourne, so without new things in Melbourne, I think we are doing a good job by maximising our package at the moment.
"So, that's where we are. We'll probably have to wait and see whenever we have new parts to the car, what kind of step we do forward. And hopefully that will bring us closer to Red Bull."
Recent reports indicate Ferrari's intention to unveil a significant upgrade for its car at Imola in May, potentially transforming it into an 'EVO' iteration of the current SF-24.