Charles Leclerc is ready to return to the track in Austin, where the United States Grand Prix will be a fundamental test bench for Ferrari. After the updates introduced in the last races, the Monegasque driver is focused on the race-by-race approach, aware that Austin will be crucial to understand the true potential of the SF-24.
Crucial test for Ferrari
Ferrari have shown signs of improvement following the upgrades brought in since the Monza Grand Prix, but Charles Leclerc knows Austin will be the ultimate test. “I think we’ve been going in the right direction in the last few races, but it will be important to see how well we’ve worked. We will understand it by how the car behaves in some corners of this track,” explained Leclerc during the pre-race press conference.
The team's goal is clear: to evaluate the car's performance on a traditional track like the Circuit of the Americas, very different from the tracks faced in previous races. “Austin is a challenging track, with fast corners that will test our package. If we do everything right, we can be competitive.”
Race by race until the end
Leclerc also stressed the importance of maintaining concentration without being distracted by championship expectations. “I don’t think the overall picture can change drastically, and we don’t start as favourites. But if we do everything right, we can get good results in each of the last six games,” he said, reiterating that the most effective approach will be to tackle each race individually.
With six races and three Sprints still to go, Leclerc remains focused on the immediate future, preferring not to think too much about the Constructors' title or his position in the Drivers' standings.
The additional point for the fastest lap: no regrets
Another topic covered by Leclerc was the regulatory change that, starting next year, will eliminate the additional point for the fastest lap. Like other drivers, the Monegasque did not say he was particularly disappointed by the FIA’s decision: “It does not always reward the best driver, since often the point goes to the one who can make an extra pit stop without losing positions. I don't think it will be much missed,” he commented, welcoming the decision with serenity.
Source statements: Ferrari
