Leclerc fumes at ’embarrassing’ Vegas qualifying
In a recent post-qualifying interview, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc candidly addressed the persistent challenges his team has encountered in wet weather conditions, particularly highlighting the struggles during the qualifying session for the latest Grand Prix. Leclerc expressed that the damp track conditions served as a stark reminder of the difficulties Ferrari has faced since he joined the team in 2019. He noted that the team’s performance in the rain has often been subpar, which has hindered their ability to compete effectively against rivals, especially in crucial qualifying sessions where positioning is vital for race strategy.
Leclerc’s comments come in the wake of a qualifying session where Ferrari’s performance fell short of expectations, leaving him and his teammate in less than ideal starting positions for the race. He emphasized that the issues are not just a result of driver error but rather stem from a deeper, systemic struggle within the team to adapt the car’s setup for wet conditions. For instance, he pointed out that while other teams, like Mercedes and Red Bull, have shown remarkable adaptability and speed in the rain, Ferrari has often found itself grappling with grip and stability. This has raised questions about the team’s engineering and strategic decisions, especially as they aim to reclaim their status as a top contender in Formula 1.
The implications of these wet-weather struggles are significant for Ferrari, a team with a storied history in the sport and high expectations from fans and stakeholders alike. As Leclerc and the team look ahead, they must not only work on improving their performance in wet conditions but also focus on refining their overall race strategy to ensure they can capitalize on opportunities when they arise. With the current season still in full swing, the pressure is on Ferrari to turn around their fortunes and deliver results that reflect their rich legacy in Formula 1.
Charles Leclerc said qualifying was a showcase of the issues Ferrari has faced in wet conditions since his arrival.