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 getting 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 workforce principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke to Sky Sport Italia to evaluation 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 definitely not the perfect begin, however we should keep the identical strategy, assault, and see the place we’re on Sunday night. It was positively not a constructive begin to the weekend; that’s for positive.”
Is successful the Constructors’ title now not possible?
“It’s not not possible, however it’s very troublesome. Statistically, it’s extraordinarily difficult, and now, with the penalty, it’s even harder. However we received’t let this get us down. We’ll hold pushing till the final nook of the final lap with each automobiles to extract the utmost from what we’ve after which see the place McLaren finally ends up. Nonetheless, we should give attention to ourselves; it might be a mistake to dwell an excessive amount of on the rivals.”
It appears that evidently 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 effectively. It’s the identical story because the final three occasions for us. If we take a look at Las Vegas and Qatar, it’s at all times associated to trace temperature. It’s very troublesome to seek out the proper working window to make use of the tires successfully from the beginning. You need to optimize every thing from one set of tires to the subsequent, from one session to the subsequent. However a very powerful lap would be the last one in Q3. So we nonetheless have some units of Softs to try to be prepared on the essential second. Except for this, the automotive’s steadiness is nice, and we’re completely satisfied. We simply want to arrange effectively for qualifying laps.”
Are you shocked by McLaren’s efficiency right now?
“I’m not shocked by McLaren’s efficiency. They’ve been doing very effectively. Final weekend, they had been barely behind in apply after which recovered. Verstappen, then again, was very robust on Sunday however struggled on Saturday. For us, it was the alternative. When the observe adjustments, you must adapt, however the window could be very small.”
How would you assess Ferrari’s season?
“Total, to date, it’s been a superb season for us. Trying on the wins, poles, and information, we’ve received 5 races and scored 55% extra factors than final yr. The route is correct. Moreover, we’re in rivalry for the Constructors’ title, which is an effective signal. Nonetheless, we should keep centered as one race remains to be left, and it’s a very powerful. However general, it’s been a superb season. I’m proud of the workforce; we’ve made progress, and it’s one of the best ways to look towards the longer term.”
What do you should enhance on the 2025 automotive?
“We have to enhance every thing. But when I needed to level out one space, I’d say qualifying lap preparation. In the present day, Charles encountered site visitors, which isn’t ideally suited for getting 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 solution to go to Q3.”
Excited to see two Leclercs on observe collectively?
“I believe Charles was probably the most excited. Arthur did an awesome job all season on the simulator, and it was vital to offer him observe time to match the 2 automobiles. 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.”