Ferrari, one of the most iconic names in Formula One racing, recently launched their new car for the upcoming season. The highly anticipated event saw the team’s drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, take the new car for its first laps around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. While the initial impressions seem positive, both drivers remain cautious in their assessment.
Charles Leclerc, who had the opportunity to work extensively with the new car in the simulator, expressed optimism about Ferrari’s progress. He believed that the team had taken a “significant step forward” in terms of performance. However, Leclerc was quick to point out that it was too early to determine whether the real car would match up to his simulations accurately.
Leclerc compared his experience of driving the new SF-24 to that of last year’s SF-23 during its shakedown. He revealed that the SF-24 felt easier to handle around Ferrari’s private circuit. However, he was cautious in asserting that this ease of driving did not necessarily equate to overall performance. Leclerc emphasized that he had only completed a few laps with cameras attached to the car and had not pushed it to the limit.
In contrast, Leclerc recalled his initial experiences with the SF-23, highlighting its challenging nature. He recalled feeling unhappy with the car’s behavior after the initial laps, stating that it was “very, very difficult to drive.” This year, however, Leclerc believes that the car feels more balanced and comfortable. Yet, he emphasized that the true competitiveness of the car can only be determined when comparing it to other teams’ lap time gains.
Leclerc acknowledged that it may take until after the Australian Grand Prix in March for Ferrari to gain a comprehensive understanding of their competitiveness in the 2024 season. He attributed this to the unique characteristics of the Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Melbourne circuits. Based on his previous experiences, Leclerc highlighted the importance of evaluating the car’s performance on different tracks and under various conditions.
The Monegasque driver drew parallels to the previous season, where external conditions significantly impacted the SF-23’s performance over a race distance. He noted that these issues were partially masked during qualifying with the use of fresh, softer-compound tires. Leclerc emphasized the importance of assessing the car’s performance under different winds, temperatures, and track layouts before making conclusive judgments about its potential for the season.
Determining a Formula One car’s true performance potential is a complex task that goes beyond first impressions. While Leclerc expressed positive initial feelings about the SF-24, he acknowledged the need for caution and patience. The unpredictable nature of different circuits and weather conditions requires a comprehensive evaluation over multiple races.
Ferrari’s new car launch has certainly generated excitement and hope, both within the team and among fans. Charles Leclerc’s initial impressions suggest positive developments in terms of drivability, but the true measure of the car’s competitiveness will only become evident over time. As the 2024 season unfolds, fans and experts alike will be closely watching Ferrari’s progress to gauge their performance in a highly competitive Formula One landscape.
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