Leclerc doubts Monza’s ability to test updates but remains optimistic about Ferrari’s prospects.
Charles Leclerc has stated that Monza “is not the best circuit” to assess Ferrari’s latest Formula 1 updates as he targets a podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix.
Ferrari began the season as Red Bull’s closest challenger, securing two wins and nine podiums in the first eight races, sparking title hopes.
However, Ferrari’s campaign has faltered since updates in Spain exacerbated the bouncing of the SF-24, dropping it behind McLaren and Mercedes F1.
Ferrari is launching its developments this weekend to shed light on these issues and attempt to make progress once again.
While Fernando Alonso has claimed Ferrari will be the team to beat this weekend, Leclerc suspects it will be impossible to replicate his 2019 Monza victory.
“I don’t believe the last two races change our expectations,” said Leclerc, who has podiumed at the Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix.
“We are going through a difficult period for the team; we are struggling to find our pace at the moment. I think we’ve understood quite a bit since then, but I am not satisfied with our performance. It wasn’t that far from ideal in race pace, though.”
“Last Sunday was a good race, and so was Spa. It should be somewhat more towards Spa’s direction. Therefore, I hope we will be in the fight for the podium, but for the win, I don’t think we are quite there yet.”
Leclerc revealed that the improvements are designed to address the inherent limitations of the SF-24 that have handicapped Ferrari relative to its rivals since the start of the season.
However, the Monegasque has cautioned that the full potential of the Maranello-based team’s revised components may not be realized until future rounds.
“We had very specific characteristics of the car in the last race, and that’s where these developments should help us. Then, we will see.”
“I do not think Monza is the best circuit to judge these developments. Baku or Singapore would probably be a bit more of a test for us, but it should still go in the right direction anyway.”
Nevertheless, Leclerc expects Ferrari to be more competitive on a low-downforce track than at Zandvoort, where he was nine-tenths of a second off on a fast lap.
“We are in a better position than on a high-downforce track, so it should be a bit better. To what extent, remains to be seen.”
“We will have these few developments on the car, which should go in the right direction. I hope therefore that we will quickly get everything in place with these parts. We will be closer than in the last race.”
Sainz is already moved by his last Grand Prix at Monza with Ferrari
His teammate, Carlos Sainz, was highly sought after in the Monza paddock on Thursday, as the Spaniard prepares for what will be his last Italian Grand Prix in the colours of Scuderia Ferrari.
Last year’s pole-sitter spoke about the unique sensations generated by this circuit.
“It’s certain that for us, the Ferrari drivers, this is the most demanding weekend of the year, but one cannot help but be swept away by the passion and support we feel from our fans every time we race here. There is already emotion for me, I want to do my best for this last time with Ferrari here. We can rest on Monday, but for now, we are going to enjoy it.”
Sainz also has high expectations of the developments.
“Tomorrow, it will be important to verify on track how the improvements we have made will function. If everything goes as we hope, we should be able to make a significant step forward and have more firepower to try and fight against our competitors for the victory. The new track surface and modified curbs will also need to be evaluated, of course, these are things we need to check, but what interests us the most is trying out the car with the improvements.”
Before discussing the Grand Prix that starts tomorrow with the first two free practice sessions, Sainz was asked about his best memory from his time at Ferrari.
“Undoubtedly my first test in the dead of winter at Fiorano. My father was also there to support me and I will never forget that when I came out of the garage in the red car, he had tears in his eyes.”
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Monza Not Ideal for Testing, Says Leclerc; Eyes Future Monza Not Ideal for Testing, Says Leclerc; Eyes Future. f1 Monza Not Ideal for Testing, Says Leclerc; Eyes Future
