Charles Leclerc he believes it but he preaches calm: the Ferrari driver, who spoke exclusively to the microphones of sky sports f1, made its first assessment about the beginning of tests carried out in Bahrain, analyzing and explaining in particular the feeling with his new car: the SF-24. “Last year was the worst experience in terms of feeling never had with a car. Anything could happen on a curve. Finding a feeling was very difficult. This year, however, the budget – explained Leclerc – it is very consistent and allows us to work very well to understand where to develop and which direction to take. In terms of competitiveness we can't yet know: I've had cars with good feeling but not fast and vice versa. I think Red Bull is still the favourite".
Leclerc on the SF-24: “From these tests in Bahrain I understood where we have improved”
If we consider last season's tests, therefore, the step forward made by Ferrari seems to be evident. The SF-24, in terms of handling, has significantly improved, but Leclerc knows that all this is still not enough: “We have made a step forward on driveability. Last year it was really difficult, but now we can go to the limit of this car. There are some negative points but we already know what they are and how to improve them. Last year every time we had used tires we had a car that struggled, but not this year. We also have a better feeling on the race pace. However, all this does not mean being competitive: for now we have to wait".
“Red Bull? She's still the favourite."
Ferrari will want to be able to have its say this season. The dream is to get closer to Red Bull, considered by Leclerc to be the real favorite even after these first days of testing in Bahrain. “I think I'm still ahead of everyone. However, it remains a personal feeling. After watching several videos and observing the car on the track. I hope that this idea of mine will not be confirmed and that we can be ahead of everyone. However, we must not focus too much on the others: they are just tests and it is right to specify this".
SOURCE: Sky Video
