After an intense and challenging weekend at Interlagos, Charles Leclerc and Ferrari are already looking ahead with determination. Brazilian Grand Prix represented a setback for the Maranello team, which was coming off two consecutive victories in the United States and Mexico. On a wet and unpredictable track, the SF-24 showed its limits, especially in conditions of low grip and low temperatures. Despite the retirement of Carlos Sainz and a bitter fifth place for Leclerc, Ferrari managed to limit the damage against McLaren, avoiding a significant loss of points. With the constructors' championship still open and three races remaining, Leclerc is aiming everything for Las Vegas, where Ferrari hopes to play an important card to continue the title race.
A tough weekend in Interlagos
Leclerc did not hide his disappointment with the complicated race at Interlagos, where Ferrari struggled to find its rhythm. “The pace was just not there, except maybe in qualifying,” the Monegasque commented. “I think in qualifying we were not so bad with new tyres and little fuel, but in the race we were going nowhere.” The fifth place finish, however, still allowed Ferrari to stay ahead of both McLarens, limiting the damage in the constructors’ standings.
The Ferrari driver also looked at the setup issues, admitting: “I think our cars were more difficult to drive than some of the others. It’s also partly my fault, our fault that we decided to run the car in that specific configuration. We really struggled today. It was extremely easy to go off the track and make a big mistake.”
Strategy and difficult decisions
Strategy was another point of discussion for Leclerc. “For our part, we definitely made a mistake during the first pit stop,” he admitted. Stopping for fresh air, Ferrari mistimed its entry and exit, and found itself in traffic with Bearman and Hamilton. “We lost a lot. Then, with the Safety Car, we lost another three places. That’s how it went, these things happen in races like this.”
Leclerc also highlighted the importance of consistency: the drivers on the podium were the only ones who did not make mistakes. Further proof, according to Leclerc, of the difficulty of the race and the impact that each single decision can have in a chaotic race.
In Las Vegas the decisive call for Leclerc and Sainz
Now the attention shifts to the next event: the Las Vegas Grand Prix. A circuit that has seen Ferrari shine already in 2023 and where the Reds have a good chance of causing problems for their rivals. “Last year we were very strong there and hopefully we can repeat that,” Leclerc said. “The track characteristics in Las Vegas are better for our car and, again, last year we were very strong.”
The Monegasque is aware that to stay in the game he needs an important result, a one-two that would allow him to get even closer to McLaren. “It will be important to get a result, maybe a one-two to get closer to McLaren and win the Constructors' title, even if it will be tough. In any case, there are three races left and we hope to be able to make the most of them,” concluded Leclerc.
Source statements: FormulaPassion
