The Abu Dhabi weekend couldn’t have began worse for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc acquired 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 vital difficulties in making ready for qualifying laps, as already seen in Las Vegas and Lusail.
On the finish of the primary two free apply classes for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari’s group principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport Italia to overview the primary day on observe at Yas Marina.
Fred Vasseur, a difficult begin…
“We needed to change the battery, and it will 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 undoubtedly not a constructive begin to the weekend; that’s for positive.”
Is profitable the Constructors’ title now inconceivable?
“It’s not inconceivable, nevertheless it’s very troublesome. 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 hold pushing till the final nook of the final lap with each vehicles to extract the utmost from what we’ve got after which see the place McLaren finally ends up. Nevertheless, we should concentrate on ourselves; it could 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 probably the most out of the Softs. Is that the case?
“Sure, tire preparation is essential right here as nicely. 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 troublesome to search out the precise working window to make use of the tires successfully from the beginning. You will need to optimize every part from one set of tires to the following, from one session to the following. However a very powerful lap would be the last one in Q3. So we nonetheless have some units of Softs to attempt to be prepared on the essential second. Other than this, the automotive’s steadiness is nice, and we’re pleased. We simply want to organize nicely for qualifying laps.”
Are you shocked by McLaren’s efficiency at present?
“I’m not shocked by McLaren’s efficiency. They’ve been doing very nicely. Final weekend, they have been barely behind in apply after which recovered. Verstappen, alternatively, was very sturdy on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the alternative. When the observe modifications, you must adapt, however the window may be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“Total, to this point, it’s been a superb season for us. Wanting on the wins, poles, and knowledge, we’ve gained 5 races and scored 55% extra factors than final yr. The route is true. Moreover, we’re in rivalry for the Constructors’ title, which is an efficient signal. Nevertheless, we should keep centered as one race continues to be left, and it’s a very powerful. However general, it’s been a superb season. I’m pleased with the group; we’ve made progress, and it’s one of the simplest ways to look towards the longer term.”
What do it’s good to enhance on the 2025 automotive?
“We have to enhance every part. But when I needed to level out one space, I’d say qualifying lap preparation. Right now, Charles encountered site visitors, which isn’t ideally suited for making ready a lap. Carlos missed FP1 and needed to intensify his work within the afternoon to catch up. I’m not fearful as a result of there’s nonetheless an extended strategy to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on observe collectively?
“I believe Charles was probably the most excited. Arthur did an incredible job all season on the simulator, and it was obligatory to provide him observe time to match the 2 vehicles. We may solely do that in FP1, and he did nicely. Engaged on the simulator isn’t simple. He made an enormous contribution all through the season.”
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
