The Abu Dhabi weekend couldn’t have began worse for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc obtained 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 important difficulties in making ready for qualifying laps, as already seen in Las Vegas and Lusail.
On the finish of the primary two free follow classes for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari’s workforce 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 this may imply a penalty on Sunday. It’s actually not the perfect begin, however we should preserve the identical strategy, assault, and see the place we’re on Sunday night. It was undoubtedly not a optimistic begin to the weekend; that’s for positive.”
Is profitable the Constructors’ title now unattainable?
“It’s not unattainable, however it’s very tough. Statistically, it’s extraordinarily difficult, and now, with the penalty, it’s even more durable. However we received’t let this get us down. We’ll preserve 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 will 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 essentially the most out of the Softs. Is that the case?
“Sure, tire preparation is essential right here as effectively. It’s the identical story because the final three occasions for us. If we have a look at Las Vegas and Qatar, it’s all the time associated to trace temperature. It’s very tough to seek out the precise working window to make use of the tires successfully from the beginning. It’s essential to optimize all the pieces from one set of tires to the following, from one session to the following. However an important lap would be the ultimate one in Q3. So we nonetheless have some units of Softs to try to be prepared on the essential second. Other than this, the automotive’s steadiness is sweet, and we’re blissful. We simply want to arrange effectively for qualifying laps.”
Are you stunned by McLaren’s efficiency at this time?
“I’m not stunned by McLaren’s efficiency. They’ve been doing very effectively. Final weekend, they have been barely behind in follow after which recovered. Verstappen, then again, was very sturdy on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the other. When the observe adjustments, you must adapt, however the window may be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“General, thus far, it’s been season for us. Trying on the wins, poles, and knowledge, we’ve received 5 races and scored 55% extra factors than final yr. The route is correct. Moreover, we’re in competition for the Constructors’ title, which is an effective signal. Nevertheless, we should keep centered as one race continues to be left, and it’s an important. However general, it’s been season. I’m proud of the workforce; we’ve made progress, and it’s one of the simplest ways to look towards the long run.”
What do you could enhance on the 2025 automotive?
“We have to enhance all the pieces. But when I needed to level out one space, I’d say qualifying lap preparation. At the moment, Charles encountered visitors, which isn’t preferrred 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 approach to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on observe collectively?
“I believe Charles was essentially the most excited. Arthur did an important job all season on the simulator, and it was essential to provide him observe time to check the 2 vehicles. We may solely do that in FP1, and he did effectively. Engaged on the simulator isn’t simple. He made an enormous contribution all through the season.”
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