Since his initial experience with the SF-24 in the simulator, Charles Leclerc has been consistently impressed.
The recent pre-season testing sessions showcased a notable improvement for Ferrari, as Leclerc noted that the SF-24 felt more manageable compared to the 2023 car, especially in windy conditions.
In the previous season, Ferrari’s car demonstrated strong performance in single-lap speed, yet during races, both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz often struggled to maintain their positions.
The team’s Achilles’ heel was tire management, but this seems to have been addressed during the winter break while developing the SF-24, showing promising early results.
While Leclerc and Sainz grabbed attention by topping the timesheets on days two and three of testing, the real focus was on their consistent long-run pace. Compared to a year ago, both drivers showcased improved consistency during their long stints, indicating progress for the Italian team.
It’s worth recalling that Sainz was poised for a podium finish in Bahrain last season if not for tire wear issues. Considering Ferrari’s competitive one-lap pace in 2023, they could find themselves contending for victories more frequently if both drivers manage their tires effectively.
Leclerc’s praise for the SF-24, especially its improved drivability in windy conditions, is a positive sign for Ferrari’s prospects under the leadership of Team Principal Frederic Vasseur.
Leclerc said to the media: “Honestly, from the first lap on the simulator, it felt like an easier car to drive whenever we drove with some wind, and similar on the track from the very first laps here.
“Once we got here, the feeling was good, we managed to be consistent straightaway. And this will help the race runs. However, as I’ve said, these past few days, drivability and competitiveness are two very different things.
“Last year, we were struggling a lot to be consistent, because the car was just a bit all over the place whenever there was some wind. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that, especially in qualifying, that doesn’t mean that we’ll win a lot thanks to that.
“So, and that doesn’t mean anything compared to Red Bull. So we still have to work a lot, and then we’ll see how competitive we are on Friday.
“But I am confident that we definitely have stepped forwards in terms of tyre management, because whenever the tyres are more used, the weaknesses of the car are more apparent, you can feel them more. And with the characteristics of this car, it should be quite a bit better.”
