Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari had much ‘expectation’ from first half of 2024 amidst recent slump

Charles Leclerc stated that he didn't expect Ferrari to fall behind in performance in the first half of the 2024 season.


Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari had much ‘expectation’ from first half of 2024 amidst recent slump

Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

Ferrari at the beginning of the season was right behind Red Bull in terms of pace. Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz managed to grab a handful of podiums. However, as the season progressed, McLaren and Mercedes made it difficult for the Prancing Horses to compete. They gave a tough competition to Leclerc and Sainz and were ruled out of the podium finishes. The 26-year-old Leclerc claimed they didn’t expect the first of the season to end like that.

Charles Leclerc expressed disappointment by Ferrari’s unexpected current position. He emphasized before the season started, they didn’t think they’d be where they are now. Leclerc explained that it’s tough to predict how things will turn out with these cars. However, they didn’t anticipate falling in this situation, but the 26-year-old understands where they need to improve. As the Scuderia seemed to be ready for a potential title fight. Ferrari is aware of the areas where they need to focus after summer break.

It's very difficult to expect or anticipate anything with these cars. We did not expect to be where we are, but we are here and we are very much aware of where the areas are where we need to work.
Charles Leclerc said, as reported by RacingNews365
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Charles Leclerc said that the team is doing everything they can to change their current situation for the better. He emphasized that they are fully committed to making improvements and are working hard to fix the problems they’re facing. Leclerc made it clear that everyone at Ferrari is focused on getting back to a stronger position. He and Carlos Sainz were optimistic and will keep pushing until they achieve success in the second phase.

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We are putting absolutely everything in order to turn the situation around.
Charles Leclerc added.

Charles Leclerc claims Ferrari focused on itself in pre-season testing

Before the season even started, Charles Leclerc didn’t think about how good or bad their current position would be. Ferrari focused entirely on extracting the best performance from their drivers and cars, without setting high or low expectations. The 26-year-old acknowledged that saying they expected more would be dishonest, as they always focused on their own progress rather than specific outcomes. Therefore, the Maranello-based squad didn’t expect the team to fall from second to third position in Constructors in the first half of the season.

Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)
No, it would be a lie. I don't think we had much expectation when we got into the season, we're just really focusing on ourselves.
Charles Leclerc stated.

Leclerc and Sainz have 10 more rounds to reclaim the lead from McLaren and Red Bull. Given McLaren’s pace and improvement, it will be tough for Ferrari, but not impossible if they make changes and work hard. Fans hope they perform well in the upcoming races, as their rivals have become more competitive compared to the beginning.

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