After the extraordinary one-two in Austin, Ferrari confirms its positive moment by conquering a precious pole position in the qualifications of the Mexican GP. Carlos Sainz signed an impeccable performance, placing himself in first position on the grid, while Charles Leclerc will start from the second row next to the McLaren of Lando Norris. Frederic Vasseur, visibly satisfied to the microphones of sky sports f1, praised the work of his drivers, underlining the energy that this result in qualifying in Mexico brings to the team and the importance of maintaining the same strategic focus in the race.
Sainz signs a perfect lap and confirms Ferrari's pace
The Ferrari team principal placed great value on Sainz’s performance, as he set two record laps in Q3, demonstrating the strength of the SF-24 package on a complex track like Mexico City. “Carlos did a great job,” said Vasseur, “with two laps that would have put him on pole.” This pole confirms the confidence in Sainz, who is facing a very competitive final phase of the season, and brings a signal of confidence for future races. Leclerc, despite a less than perfect last attempt, also managed to finish fourth: “Even Charles, although not very happy with his lap, is close to Norris. We are in the fight for tomorrow,” added Vasseur.
Strategy and straight management, Ferrari's focus for the race
With a particularly long straight leading into the first corner, Ferrari knows that maintaining pole position will not be easy, but Vasseur said he is confident in managing the pace and strategy: “The most important thing for strategy is to have a good pace. In Mexico there is a very long straight up to turn 1, where it is not a given to arrive first. In any case, it is better to start from pole.”
Friday's test showed encouraging data for the SF-24, especially in race pace, where Ferrari demonstrated good consistency: "We had a good pace yesterday in the race simulation - concluded the Ferrari boss - and I hope we can maintain the same approach tomorrow." For Vasseur, however, it will be crucial to avoid mistakes and maintain concentration, as happened in Austin.
