During the media day at Silverstone, Charles Leclerc reflected on the challenges encountered after the victory in Monaco and on the prospects for redemption for Ferrari. With just 12 points accumulated since then, Leclerc openly addressed the difficulties, but also expressed confidence in the team's ability to return to competitiveness.
The post-Monaco difficulties: an unexpected collapse
After winning the Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari and Charles Leclerc saw a drastic decline in his performance. The Monegasque has accumulated just 12 points since then, admitting that these results were "very difficult" to accept. Especially considering that Ferrari looked in great form in the first races of the season. However, Canada highlighted early problems that did not improve with updates in Spain.“After Monaco, Ferrari dropped from second to fourth place in the hierarchy,” explained Leclerc, underlining how the introduction of the new upgrade package did not have the desired impact on the SF-24. In fact, the Monegasque highlighted that the problems persist, despite the numbers suggesting that progress has been made.
Silverstone GP: last chance to end a difficult period
The Silverstone GP, the last round of this triple header, represents a crucial opportunity for Ferrari to try to end a disappointing phase of the season on a positive note. Charles On the eve of the Silverstone weekend, Leclerc expressed confidence in the team's potential to rapidly improve performance. Although the traditional format returns to Silverstone with three free practice sessions, one of the unknowns for the weekend remains the weather factor. “If it were to rain, the test we wanted to do between the two cars, just to confirm some things, will have to be postponed until the next race,” admitted Leclerc, adding that the team is still trying to figure out how to maximize the potential of the updates.
“The updates work as they should, it's more about where you drive the car to optimize those numbers that we see and so far we haven't been able to do that,” he explained, showing confidence in the team's ability to solve short-term problems.
Despite recent disappointments, Leclerc remains optimistic about Ferrari's future possibilities. He cited Mercedes' improvement as an example to demonstrate how much a difference a few tenths of a second can make. “I am confident that if we make the progress we expect to make soon, then we can fight for race wins.”
The comment on the contact between Verstappen and Norris
During the interviews, there was no shortage of questions about the duel and the contact that characterized the Austrian Grand Prix last week which involved Verstappen and Norris. Although the Monegasque did not take part in this duel, being relegated to further back positions, he wanted to have his say on the issue.
“I know Max's riding style and how he battles very well because I started racing against him in 2010, I think he is the driver I know the most and who I know best,” Leclerc said. However, he added that he does not adapt his riding style based on his opponents. “If I find myself sixth in the championship, 100 points behind the leader, I don't fight so hard, but if there is a victory at stake then I give 100% no matter who my opponent is."
Source statements: Formula1a.one
