An Ferrari win Charles Leclerc saw it last week, but a Le Mans, in the most important 24 hours in the world. The crew of 499P number 51, made up of Pier Guidi, Giovinazzi and Calado, brought home a historic victory which in a certain sense compensates for the disappointments that Cavallino fans - and drivers - are forced to suffer in Formula 1. However, the enthusiasm at Ferrari is limited to the WEC given that the SF-23 does not seem to be that little gem that was so desired at the beginning of the season. In Canada Ferrari will have to seek an answer to the updates brought to Spain but also to the problems experienced by Leclerc. Problems which, as Charles himself admits, do not have one explanation or a very specific origin.
Leclerc, the Le Mans dream
Racing the 24 Hours of Le Mans is no small undertaking, one of the dreams of all those who want to become drivers. We often wonder how some F1 drivers would behave when faced with the most challenging and important endurance race in motorsport. Many of them have already attempted the feat, even managing to win it. One of the next people to want to include it in their things to do before hanging up their helmet is certainly Charles Leclerc, who attended the 24 hours for the first time this year. Evidently the Monegasque must have brought luck to Ferrari, which after 58 years, came back and won at the first try.
“I went to Le Mans to see the 24 Hours. Incredible race and I would like to participate one day. It couldn't have ended better with Ferrari's victory. Very exciting. I was up until 4 in the morning..."
The return to reality
Being able to be part of all this and witnessing the Ferrari's victory certainly thrilled Charles, who returned to reality, that is, to his SF-23, and said he was rather skeptical about Ferrari's return to Canada. The team must understand the potential of this new package of updates, and avoid a crash like the one in Spain, which was not due to a problem on the SF-23 number 16. The Monegasque - during the press conference preceding the weekend of competition - in fact, he confirmed that no problems or faults were found on his single-seater which justify the difficulties he had during qualifying in Spain.
“We are very disappointed with the current trend, we are all angry with ourselves. On Spanish soil I was the only one to suffer so much, but we have to push and become regular in improving the race pace to reduce the gap from those in front. Carlos also struggled on the long run, but there is a clear team direction to grow together and overcome this moment."
A worrying picture, also considering the return of Mercedes to Spain. Aston Martin will bring some updates to Canada and this could bring it closer to Mercedes and Ferrari. It will therefore be necessary for Charles to work throughout the weekend to prevent what we saw in Spain from happening again.
“In Spain it was a difficult weekend especially for me. Here we bring nothing new, I do not foresee miracles. But we need to understand how to make the most of the new package, even if I don't think we will make a step forward. And no, there were no problems with my Ferrari. We expect Aston as well as Red Bull to be very strong here. We struggle to understand exactly what Mercedes' level will be, but I repeat, we need to concentrate. This track is very demanding and we don't know what turn it will take over the weekend so let's focus on ourselves and see what we have to do."
Source statements: sky sports f1
