The FIA has verified that Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari underwent “more extensive physical inspections” following the Japanese Grand Prix, as part of routine checks on Formula 1 cars.
Leclerc faced a challenging task at Suzuka after securing only P8 in qualifying, prompting him to acknowledge his shortcomings in one-lap pace as an area needing improvement.
However, he experienced a notable turnaround on race day, clinching a commendable P4 finish. Meanwhile, his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, who finished one place ahead, secured a podium spot.
Following each Formula 1 race, the FIA conducts scrutineering to ensure teams comply with regulations. Periodically, a car is selected randomly for more thorough inspections. After Max Verstappen’s victory in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, his Red Bull RB20 underwent such scrutiny.
Similarly, after the Japanese Grand Prix, Leclerc’s Ferrari SF-24 was chosen for closer examination by the FIA. Verstappen’s Red Bull and Leclerc’s Ferrari passed these inspections without any issues.
Confirming the process, the FIA stated, “After the race of the Japanese GP, car number 16 was randomly chosen among the top ten cars for more extensive physical inspections.
“Subject to these physical inspections were the central floor flexibility, the rear wing mainplane flexibility, the rear wing flap flexibility, the rear wing mainplane trailing edge flexibility, the rear wing endplate flexibility, and the plank assembly including the skid thickness.
“All inspected components were found to be in conformance with the 2024 Formula One Technical Regulations.”
Ferrari stands alone as the sole team to thwart Red Bull’s bid for a 1-2 finish in the 2024 Formula 1 season. Carlos Sainz’s remarkable triumph in Australia, with Charles Leclerc closely trailing him, interrupted Red Bull’s dominance.
Yet, any hopes of Ferrari narrowing the gap to the formidable Austrian outfit were dampened by Red Bull’s commanding 1-2 finish at Suzuka, catalyzed in part by Verstappen’s unfortunate brake-related retirement.
Nevertheless, with the impending return to China’s Shanghai International Circuit for the first time since 2019, Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, has issued a cautionary message to Red Bull. He asserts that Ferrari has yet to fully exploit the potential performance of the SF-24 in its current configuration.
“For sure you have to improve the speed of the car, bring upgrades, but I think so far, we did not extract the best from the car,” Vasseur conveyed to Channel 4.
“We are still doing some mistakes during the weekend and the first focus is to be able to get the best from what you have. Then, we’ll have time to improve the car.”
As the Chinese Grand Prix approaches, Red Bull maintains its lead in the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, boasting a 21-point advantage over Ferrari.
