At the Japanese Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc expressed satisfaction with Ferrari’s one-stop strategy despite finishing fourth. He admitted he faced difficulties after a tough qualifying session, starting eighth. He ran 27 laps on medium tires before switching to hards and defended his position against Lando Norris from McLaren.
Eventually, Leclerc was overtaken by his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, who secured third place behind the Red Bull duo of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. This performance pushed Leclerc down to third place in the driver’s standings with 59 points, just four ahead of Sainz. Verstappen leads the championship on 77 points, followed by Perez with 64.
“We executed a fantastic strategy, managed time well, and had great pace. However, starting from eighth put us at a disadvantage,” Leclerc told Sky Sports. Reflecting on his struggles in qualifying, he added, “This is where I’ve been struggling, so I’ll focus on that. But I’m confident that I can improve quickly when I work on it.”
Team principal Frederic Vasseur commended Ferrari for bouncing back from a disappointing practice session and qualifying. He emphasized the need to enhance performance on Saturdays to have better weekends overall. Vasseur mentioned, “We’ve made significant progress with the car since last year, and everyone is more confident. The team is working well together.”
Sainz continued to impress for Ferrari, securing his third podium finish of the season after winning the Australian Grand Prix two weeks earlier. Despite uncertainty about his future, with talks ongoing with multiple teams, Sainz is focused on proving himself when given a competitive car. He stated, “I deliver when I’m given a fast car. It’s been a strong start, and teams are aware of my availability.”
Reflecting on his performance, Sainz added, “I just need to keep focused and show everyone that I can maximize my opportunities. Let’s see what the future holds.”
Overall, Ferrari’s strong Sunday performance at the Japanese Grand Prix showcased their strategic prowess and competitive spirit. Leclerc’s determination to improve in qualifying and Sainz’s consistency in delivering podium finishes reflect the team’s potential for success in the current Formula 1 season.
The team’s ability to adapt during races and make effective strategy calls highlights their progress and positive momentum. As the season unfolds, Ferrari’s focus on continuous improvement and maximizing opportunities could position them as strong contenders in the championship battle.
With talented drivers like Leclerc and Sainz leading the charge, Ferrari’s performance in the Japanese Grand Prix serves as a testament to their capabilities as a top-tier Formula 1 team. As they aim to maintain their competitive edge and challenge the frontrunners, Ferrari’s strategic decisions and driver skills will play a crucial role in shaping their success in the upcoming races.
The team’s collective efforts and determination to excel in all aspects of racing highlight their commitment to achieving the best possible results. As they continue to push boundaries and strive for excellence, Ferrari remains a force to be reckoned with in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
