F1 News: Ferrari Chief Sets High Expectations For Sainz And Leclerc In Saudi Arabian GP
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has set the bar high for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz at the forthcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. During the team's race preview, Vasseur acknowledged the progress made over the winter, highlighting the reduced gap to the frontrunners.
Key Takeaways:
- Fred Vasseur praised the team's offseason advancements, noting a closer qualifying gap, albeit with a still significant race pace difference to Max Verstappen.
- The Saudi Arabian GP presents a new challenge with its smooth track and high-speed corners, testing the SF-24's aerodynamics and downforce.
- Vasseur expects strong performances from Leclerc and Sainz, given their history at the Jeddah Corniche circuit.
Ferrari Press Image
Following an optimistic start to the season, Fred Vasseur has openly expressed his aspirations for his drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, in the upcoming race in Saudi Arabia. The commendations came after an encouraging showing at the season opener, where the team's efforts during the off-season seemed to pay dividends, evident in the reduced gap to the leaders, particularly noted during qualifying sessions.
Vasseur's comments shed light on the team's direction and morale.
"The first race of the season confirmed that we worked in the right direction over the winter. In Sakhir, we saw that the gaps in qualifying have closed up even more, although the distance to Max Verstappen in the race is still significant.
"However, it's encouraging that we have reduced that gap compared to last year, which is a good starting point."
Ferrari Press Image
The upcoming race in Jeddah is poised to be a litmus test for Ferrari's SF-24, with its distinct track characteristics, notably the smooth surface and high-speed corners, expected to test the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency and downforce. Vasseur's confidence in his drivers is buoyed by their previous performances at the Jeddah Corniche circuit, where both Leclerc and Sainz have shown commendable prowess. Vasseur added:
"In Jeddah we will face a completely different test and we want to check if the positive signs we have seen from the SF-24 in the past couple of weeks are repeated on this very different track.
"The track surface is very smooth so tyre degradation should be negligible, while for the first time we will deal with very high speed corners that will highlight the cars' downforce and aerodynamic efficiency.
"Charles and Carlos have always gone well at the Jeddah Corniche and I expect them to be front-runners again, although once again it will all be very close. They should be able to do well in both qualifying and the race."