Ferrari Eyes Progress in Saudi Arabia
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is optimistic that the upgrades introduced during the Bahrain Grand Prix will yield more noticeable results at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The new floor designed for the car was intended to enhance performance across the tripleheader of races, with the team looking to narrow the gap to McLaren.
Anticipated Progress in Jeddah
Leclerc expressed confidence that the layout of the Jeddah street circuit may present an opportunity for the team to capitalize on their recent developments. He noted that while Bahrain did not entirely showcase the upgrade’s potential due to the nature of the track, Jeddah’s high-speed characteristics could provide the insights needed to gauge the progress made. Leclerc remarked, “Based on what we expected to gain from the upgrades, we are optimistic that this track will allow us to benefit more.”
Optimistic Outlook Against Competitors
Despite acknowledging the challenges posed by competitors like Mercedes and Red Bull, Leclerc believes Ferrari remains competitive, currently measuring a gap of 0.2 to 0.3 seconds to McLaren. While embracing the notion that one upgrade may not narrow this gap entirely, he is hopeful about achieving a podium finish in the near future.
Lessons from Bahrain
Reflecting on the Bahrain Grand Prix, Leclerc conveyed that a podium was within reach but eluded them due to a safety car interruption. He remains motivated, expressing a desire not just for podiums but for race victories, emphasizing, “My hope is a bit more than that. A win would be amazing.” He appreciates the team’s evolving strategy, which he believes is essential in their quest for better results.
Maintaining Motivation
Leclerc reinforced his commitment to maximizing the performance of his vehicle regardless of its current standing against rivals, indicating that he draws motivation from the challenge itself. Even when finishing fourth appears to be the best outcome, he remains determined to push for exceptional performances that could surprise competitors.
